Coated capsules and tablets of a fatty acid oil mixture

ABSTRACT

Compositions comprising a fatty acid oil mixture and at least one free fatty acid in a coated capsule or a coated tablet form suitable for oral administration, and methods of use thereof, are disclosed. Further disclosed are preconcentrates comprising a fatty acid oil mixture, at least one surfactant, and optionally at least one free fatty acid, in a coated capsule or a coated tablet form, and methods of use thereof. The preconcentrates are capable of forming a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS), a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS), or self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) in an aqueous solution.

This application is a National Phase application based on International Patent Application No. PCT/IB2010/002854 filed on Oct. 22, 2010, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/254,291, filed on Oct. 23, 2009, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/254,293, filed on Oct. 23, 2009, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/254,296, filed on Oct. 23, 2009, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

The present disclosure is generally directed to compositions and preconcentrates comprising a fatty acid oil mixture in a coated capsule or a coated tablet form suitable for oral administration, and methods of use thereof. The capsules and tablets presently disclosed may be administered to a subject for therapeutic treatment and/or regulation of at least one health problem including, for example, irregular plasma lipid levels, cardiovascular functions, immune functions, visual functions, insulin action, neuronal development, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, mixed dyslipidemia, heart failure, and post myocardial infarction (MI).

In humans, cholesterol and triglycerides are part of lipoprotein complexes in the bloodstream and can be separated via ultracentrifugation into high-density lipoprotein (HDL), intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) fractions. Cholesterol and triglycerides are synthesized in the liver, incorporated into VLDL, and released into the plasma. High levels of total cholesterol (total-C), LDL-C, and apolipoprotein B (a membrane complex for LDL-C and VLDL-C) promote human atherosclerosis and decreased levels of HDL-C and its transport complex; apolipoprotein A is also associated with the development of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in humans can vary directly with the level of total-C and LDL-C and inversely with the level of HDL-C. In addition, research suggests that non-HDL cholesterol is an indicator of hypertriglyceridemia, vascular disease, atherosclerotic disease, and related conditions. In fact, NCEP ATP III specifies non-HDL cholesterol reduction as a treatment objective.

Omega-3 fatty acids may regulate plasma lipid levels, cardiovascular and immune functions, insulin action, and neuronal development, and visual function. Marine oils, also commonly referred to as fish oils, are a source of omega-3 fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been found to regulate lipid metabolism. Plant-based oils and microbial oils are also sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids may have beneficial effects on the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, for example hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia, and on the coagulation factor VII phospholipid complex activity. Omega-3 fatty acids may also lower serum triglycerides, increase serum HDL cholesterol, lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure and/or pulse rate, and may lower the activity of the blood coagulation factor VII-phospholipid complex. Further, omega-3 fatty acids are generally well-tolerated, without giving rise to severe side effects.

Several formulations of omega-3 fatty acids have been developed. For example, one form of omega-3 fatty acid oil mixture is a concentrate of primary omega-3, long chain, polyunsaturated fatty acids from fish oil containing DHA and EPA, such as sold under the trademark Omacor®/Lovaza™/Zodin™/Seacor®. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,502,077, 5,656,667, 5,698,594, and 7,732,488. In particular, each 1000 mg capsule of Lovaza™ contains at least 90% omega-3 ethyl ester fatty acids (84% EPA/DHA); approximately 465 mg EPA ethyl ester and approximately 375 mg DHA ethyl ester.

However, evidence suggests that long chain fatty acids and alcohols of up to at least C₂₄ are reversibly interconverted. Enzyme systems exist in the liver, fibroblasts, and the brain that convert fatty alcohols to fatty acids. In some tissues, fatty acids can be reduced back to alcohols. The carboxylic acid functional group of fatty acid molecules targets binding, but this ionizable group may hinder the molecule from crossing the cell membranes, such as of the intestinal wall. As a result, carboxylic acid functional groups are often protected as esters. The ester is less polar than the carboxylic acid, and may more easily cross the fatty cell membranes. Once in the bloodstream, the ester can be hydrolyzed back to the free carboxylic acid by enzyme esterase in the blood. It may be possible that the plasma enzymes do not hydrolyze the ester fast enough, however, and that the conversion of ester to free carboxylic acid predominantly takes place in the liver. Ethyl esters of polyunsaturated fatty can also be hydrolyzed to free carboxylic acids in vivo.

Thus, there remains a need in the art for compositions and/or methods to improve the release and enhance solubilization, digestion, bioavailability and/or absorption of omega-3 fatty acids in vivo, while maintaining the ability to cross cell membranes.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the present disclosure, as claimed.

The present disclosure is directed to a pharmaceutical composition in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising: a fatty acid oil mixture comprising at least 75% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in a form chosen from ethyl ester and triglyceride; and at least one free fatty acid; wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

The present disclosure is also directed to a food supplement or nutritional supplement composition in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising: a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 25% to about 75% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in a form chosen from ethyl ester and triglyceride; and at least one free fatty acid; wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

The present disclosure is also directed to pharmaceutical preconcentrate a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising: a fatty acid oil mixture comprising at least 75% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in a form chosen from ethyl ester, triglyceride; at least one free fatty acid; and at least one surfactant; wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

The present disclosure is also directed to a pharmaceutical preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising: from about 45% to about 55% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, of a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 80% to about 88% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in ethyl ester form; from about 10% to about 15% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, of at least one free fatty acid comprising from about 80% to about 88% EPA and DHA, by weight of the at least one free fatty acid, wherein the EPA and DHA are in free fatty acid form; and from about 30% to about 40% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, of at least one surfactant chosen from polysorbate 20; wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

The present disclosure is also directed to a pharmaceutical preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising: from about 45% to about 55% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, of a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 80% to about 88% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in ethyl ester form; from about 10% to about 15% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, of at least one free fatty acid chosen from oleic acid; and from about 30% to about 40% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, of at least one surfactant chosen from polysorbate 20; wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

The present disclosure is also directed to a pharmaceutical preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising: from about 65% to about 75% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, of a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 80% to about 88% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in ethyl ester form; from about 15% to about 20% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, of at least one free fatty acid chosen from oleic acid; and from about 10% to about 15% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, of at least one surfactant chosen from polysorbate 20; wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

The present disclosure is also directed to a pharmaceutical preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising: from about 45% to about 55% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, of a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 80% to about 88% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in ethyl ester form; from about 10% to about 15% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, of at least one free fatty acid comprising from about 80% to about 88% EPA and DHA, by weight of the at least one free fatty acid, wherein the EPA and DHA are in free fatty acid form; and from about 40% to about 50% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, of at least two surfactants chosen from polysorbate 20 and lecithin; wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

The present disclosure is also directed to a pharmaceutical preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising: a fatty acid oil mixture comprising at least 75% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in free acid form; and at least one surfactant; wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

The present disclosure is also directed to a pharmaceutical preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising: from about 60% to about 70% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, of a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 80% to about 88% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in free acid form; and from about 30% to about 40% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, of at least two surfactants chosen from polysorbate 20 and lecithin; wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

The present disclosure is also directed to a pharmaceutical preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising: a fatty acid oil mixture comprising at least 75% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in a form chosen from ethyl ester and triglyceride; and at least one surfactant; wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

The present disclosure is also directed to a pharmaceutical preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising: from about 75% to about 85% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, of a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 80% to about 88% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in ethyl ester form; and from about 15% to about 25% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, of at least one surfactant chosen from polysorbate 80; wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

The present disclosure is also directed to a food supplement or nutritional supplement preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising: a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 25% to about 75% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in a form chosen from ethyl ester and triglyceride; at least one free fatty acid; and at least one surfactant; wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

The present disclosure is also directed to a food supplement preconcentrate or nutritional supplement preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising: a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 25% to about 75% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in free acid form; and at least one surfactant; wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

The present disclosure is also directed to a food supplement preconcentrate or nutritional supplement preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising: a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 25% to about 75% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in a form chosen from ethyl ester and triglyceride; and at least one surfactant; and wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

The present disclosure is also directed to a pharmaceutical composition in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising a fatty acid oil mixture comprising at least 75% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in a form chosen from ethyl ester and triglyceride, and at least one free fatty acid, wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating, for the treatment of at least one health problem chosen from irregular plasma lipid levels, cardiovascular functions, immune functions, visual functions, insulin action, neuronal development, heart failure, and post myocardial infarction.

The present disclosure is also directed to a pharmaceutical preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising a fatty acid oil mixture comprising at least 75% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in a form chosen from ethyl ester and triglyceride, at least one free fatty acid, and at least one surfactant, wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating, for the treatment of at least one health problem chosen from irregular plasma lipid levels, cardiovascular functions, immune functions, visual functions, insulin action, neuronal development, heart failure, and post myocardial infarction.

The present disclosure is also directed to a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS), self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS), or self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) comprising a pharmaceutical preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising: a fatty acid oil mixture comprising at least 75% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in a form chosen from ethyl ester and triglyceride, at least one free fatty acid, and at least one surfactant, wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating, and wherein the preconcentrate forms an emulsion in an aqueous solution, for the treatment of at least one health problem chosen from irregular plasma lipid levels, cardiovascular functions, immune functions, visual functions, insulin action, neuronal development, heart failure, and post myocardial infarction.

The present disclosure is also directed to a pharmaceutical preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising a fatty acid oil mixture comprising at least 75% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in free acid form and at least one surfactant, wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating, for the treatment of at least one health problem chosen from irregular plasma lipid levels, cardiovascular functions, immune functions, visual functions, insulin action, neuronal development, heart failure, and post myocardial infarction.

The present disclosure is also directed to a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS), self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS), or self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) comprising a pharmaceutical preconcentrate comprising: a fatty acid oil mixture comprising at least 75% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in free acid form and at least one surfactant, wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating, and wherein the preconcentrate forms an emulsion in an aqueous solution, for the treatment of at least one health problem chosen from irregular plasma lipid levels, cardiovascular functions, immune functions, visual functions, insulin action, neuronal development, heart failure, and post myocardial infarction.

The present disclosure is also directed to a pharmaceutical preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising a fatty acid oil mixture comprising at least 75% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in a form chosen from ethyl ester and triglyceride and at least one surfactant, wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating, for the treatment of at least one health problem chosen from irregular plasma lipid levels, cardiovascular functions, immune functions, visual functions, insulin action, neuronal development, heart failure, and post myocardial infarction.

The present disclosure is also directed to a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS), self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS), or self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) comprising a pharmaceutical preconcentrate comprising: a fatty acid oil mixture comprising at least 75% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in a form chosen from ethyl ester and triglyceride, and at least one surfactant, wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating, and wherein the preconcentrate forms an emulsion in an aqueous solution, for the treatment of at least one health problem chosen from irregular plasma lipid levels, cardiovascular functions, immune functions, visual functions, insulin action, neuronal development, heart failure, and post myocardial infarction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the viscosity of preconcentrates A-L.

FIG. 2 shows the average particle size distribution for preconcentrates A-F, I, and J in gastric media and intestinal media.

FIG. 3 shows the read out from the Malvern zetasizer for four consecutive measurements on preconcentrate A in gastric media.

FIG. 4 shows the read out from the Malvern zetasizer for four consecutive measurements on preconcentrate B in gastric media.

FIG. 5 shows the read out from the Malvern zetasizer for four consecutive measurements on preconcentrate C in gastric media.

FIG. 6 shows the read out from the Malvern zetasizer for four consecutive measurements on preconcentrate D in gastric media.

FIG. 7 shows the read out from the Malvern zetasizer for four consecutive measurements on preconcentrate E in gastric media.

FIG. 8 shows the read out from the Malvern zetasizer for four consecutive measurements on preconcentrate F in gastric media.

FIG. 9 shows the read out from the Malvern zetasizer for four consecutive measurements on preconcentrate I in gastric media.

FIG. 10 shows the read out from the Malvern zetasizer for four consecutive measurements on preconcentrate J in gastric media.

FIG. 11 shows the read out from the Malvern zetasizer for four consecutive measurements on preconcentrate A in intestinal media.

FIG. 12 shows the read out from the Malvern zetasizer for four consecutive measurements on preconcentrate B in intestinal media.

FIG. 13 shows the read out from the Malvern zetasizer for four consecutive measurements on preconcentrate C in intestinal media.

FIG. 14 shows the read out from the Malvern zetasizer for four consecutive measurements on preconcentrate D in intestinal media.

FIG. 15 shows the read out from the Malvern zetasizer for four consecutive measurements on preconcentrate E in intestinal media.

FIG. 16 shows the read out from the Malvern zetasizer for four consecutive measurements on preconcentrate F in intestinal media.

FIG. 17 shows the read out from the Malvern zetasizer for four consecutive measurements on preconcentrate I in intestinal media.

FIG. 18 shows the read out from the Malvern zetasizer for four consecutive measurements on preconcentrate J in intestinal media.

FIG. 19 shows the disappearance of EPA-EE and DHA-EE and the appearance of EPA-FA and DHA-FA during lipolysis of Omacor®.

FIG. 20 shows the percent recovery of EPA+DHA at different time-points for Omacor®.

FIG. 21 shows the percent lipolysis of EPA-EE, DHA-EE and total K85EE at different time points for Omacor®.

FIG. 22 shows the disappearance of EPA-EE and DHA-EE and the appearance of EPA-FA and DHA-FA during lipolysis of preconcentrate A.

FIG. 23 shows the percent recovery of EPA+DHA at different time-points for preconcentrate A.

FIG. 24 shows the percent lipolysis of EPA-EE, DHA-EE and total K85EE at different time points for preconcentrate A.

FIG. 25 shows the disappearance of EPA-EE and DHA-EE and the appearance of EPA-FA and DHA-FA during lipolysis of preconcentrate B.

FIG. 26 shows the percent recovery of EPA+DHA at different time-points for preconcentrate B.

FIG. 27 shows the percent lipolysis of EPA-EE, DHA-EE and total K85EE at different time points for preconcentrate B.

FIG. 28 shows the disappearance of EPA-EE and DHA-EE and the appearance of EPA-FA and DHA-FA during lipolysis of preconcentrate C.

FIG. 29 shows the percent recovery of EPA+DHA at different time-points for preconcentrate C.

FIG. 30 shows the percent lipolysis of EPA-EE, DHA-EE and total K85EE at different time points for preconcentrate C.

FIG. 31 shows the disappearance of EPA-EE and DHA-EE and the appearance of EPA-FA and DHA-FA during lipolysis of preconcentrate D.

FIG. 32 shows the percent recovery of EPA+DHA at different time-points for preconcentrate D.

FIG. 33 shows the percent lipolysis of EPA-EE, DHA-EE and total K85EE at different time points for preconcentrate D.

FIG. 34 shows the disappearance of EPA-EE and DHA-EE and the appearance of EPA-FA and DHA-FA during lipolysis of preconcentrate E.

FIG. 35 shows the percent recovery of EPA+DHA at different time-points for preconcentrate E.

FIG. 36 shows the percent lipolysis of EPA-EE, DHA-EE and total K85EE at different time points for preconcentrate E.

FIG. 37 shows the plasma concentration versus time profile of the total lipid concentration of EPA for Example 14.

FIG. 38 shows EPA blood serum level over time following the administration of coated and uncoated tablets as described in Example 22.

FIG. 39 shows DHA blood serum level over time following the administration of coated and uncoated tablets as described in Example 22.

DESCRIPTION

Particular aspects of the disclosure are described in greater detail below. The terms and definitions as used in the present application and as clarified herein are intended to represent the meaning within the present disclosure. The patent and scientific literature referred to herein and referenced above is hereby incorporated by reference. The terms and definitions provided herein control, if in conflict with terms and/or definitions incorporated by reference.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context dictates otherwise.

The terms “approximately” and “about” mean to be nearly the same as a referenced number or value. As used herein, the terms “approximately” and “about” should be generally understood to encompass±10% of a specified amount, frequency or value.

The terms “administer,” “administration” or “administering” as used herein refer to (1) providing, giving, dosing and/or prescribing by either a health practitioner or his authorized agent or under his direction a composition according to the disclosure, and (2) putting into, taking or consuming by the patient or person himself or herself, a composition according to the disclosure.

The present disclosure provides for pharmaceutical and supplement compositions comprising a fatty acid oil mixture and at least one free fatty acid formulated as capsules, e.g., gelatin capsules, and tablets that may be coated.

Also disclosed herein are preconcentrates comprising a fatty acid oil mixture and at least one surfactant. In some embodiments, the preconcentrates comprise a fatty acid oil mixture, at least one free fatty acid, and at least one surfactant. The preconcentrates of the present disclosure can produce dispersions of low or very low mean particle size when mixed with an aqueous medium. Such dispersions can be characterized as nanoemulsions, microemulsions, or emulsions. For example, upon delivery, the preconcentrates are thought to produce dispersions with gastric or other physiological fluids generating self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS), self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS), or self emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS).

Fatty Acid Oil Mixture

Compositions of the present disclosure comprise at least one fatty acid oil mixture. The fatty acid oil mixture comprises eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). As used herein, the term “fatty acid oil mixture” includes fatty acids, such as unsaturated (e.g., monounsaturated, polyunsaturated) or saturated fatty acids, as well as pharmaceutically-acceptable esters, free acids, mono-, di- and triglycerides, derivatives, conjugates, precursors, salts, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the fatty acid oil mixture comprises fatty acids, such as omega-3 fatty acids, in a form chosen from ethyl ester and triglyceride. In other embodiments, the fatty acids of the fatty acid oil mixture are in free acid form.

The term “omega-3 fatty acids” includes natural and synthetic omega-3 fatty acids, as well as pharmaceutically-acceptable esters, free acids, triglycerides, derivatives, conjugates (see, e.g., Zaloga et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0254357, and Horrobin et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,245,811, each hereby incorporated by reference), precursors, salts, and mixtures thereof. Examples of omega-3 fatty acid oils include, but are not limited to, omega-3 polyunsaturated, long-chain fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), α-linolenic acid (ALA), heneicosapentaenoic acid (HPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA), eicosatrienoic acid (ETE), and octadecatetraenoic acid (i.e., stearidonic acid, STA); esters of omega-3 fatty acids with glycerol such as mono-, di- and triglycerides; and esters of the omega-3 fatty acids and a primary, secondary and/or tertiary alcohol, such as, for example, fatty acid methyl esters and fatty acid ethyl esters. The omega-3 fatty acids, esters, triglycerides, derivatives, conjugates, precursors, salts and/or mixtures thereof according to the present disclosure can be used in their pure form and/or as a component of an oil, for example, as marine oil (e.g., fish oil and purified fish oil concentrates), algae oils, microbial oils and plant-based oils.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the fatty acid oil mixture comprises EPA and DHA. Further for example, in some embodiments, the fatty acid oil mixture comprises EPA and DHA in a form chosen from ethyl ester and triglyceride. In other embodiments, the fatty acid oil mixture comprises EPA and DHA in free acid form.

The fatty acid oil mixture of the present disclosure may further comprise at least one fatty acid other than EPA and DHA. Examples of such fatty acids include, but are not limited to, omega-3 fatty acids other than EPA and DHA and omega-6 fatty acids. For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the fatty acid oil mixture comprises at least one fatty acid other than EPA and DHA chosen from α-linolenic acid (ALA), heneicosapentaenoic acid (HPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA), eicosatrienoic acid (ETE), and stearidonic acid (STA). In some embodiments, the at least one fatty acid other than EPA and DHA is chosen from linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), arachidonic acid (AA), docosapentaenoic acid (i.e., osbond acid), and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the at least one fatty acid other than EPA and DHA is in a form chosen from ethyl ester and triglyceride. In other embodiments, the at least one fatty acid other than EPA and DHA is in free acid form.

Examples of further fatty acids, or mixtures thereof (fatty acid oil mixtures) encompassed by the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, the fatty acids defined in the European Pharmacopoeia Omega-3 Ethyl Esters 90 and purified marine oils, for example, the European Pharmacopoeia Omega-3 Acid Triglycerides, the European Pharmacopoeia Omega-3 acid Ethyl Esters 60, the European Pharmacopoeia Fish Oil Rich in Omega-3 Acids monograph, and/or for instance, the USP fish oil monograph.

Commercial examples of fatty acid oil mixtures comprising different fatty acids suitable for the present disclosure include, but are not limited to: Incromega™ omega-3 marine oil concentrates such as Incromega™ TG7010 SR, Incromega™ E7010 SR, Incromega™ TG6015, Incromega™ EPA500TG SR, Incromega™ E400200 SR, Incromega™ E4010, Incromega™ DHA700TG SR, Incromega™ DHA700E SR, Incromega™ DHA500TG SR, Incromega™ TG3322 SR, Incromega™ E3322 SR, Incromega™ TG3322, Incromega™ E3322, Incromega™ Trio TG/EE (Croda International PLC, Yorkshire, England); EPAX2050TG, EPAX5500EE, EPAX5500TG, EPAX5000EE, EPAX5000TG, EPAX6000EE, EPAX6000TG, EPAX6000FA, EPAX6500EE, EPAX6500TG, EPAX4510TG, EPAX1050TG, EPAX6015TG/EE, EPAX4020TG, and EPAX4020EE (EPAX is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Norwegian company Austevoll Seafood ASA); Omacor®/Lovaza™/Zodin®/Seacor® finished pharmaceutical product, K85EE, and AGP 103 (Pronova BioPharma Norge AS); MEG-3® EPA/DHA fish oil concentrates (Ocean Nutrition Canada); DHA FNO “Functional Nutritional Oil” and DHA CL “Clear Liquid” (Lonza); Superba™ Krill Oil (Aker); omega-3 products comprising DHA produced by Martek; Neptune krill oil (Neptune); cod-liver oil products and anti-reflux fish oil concentrate (TG) produced by Møllers; Lysi Omega-3 Fish oil; Seven Seas Triomega® Cod Liver Oil Blend (Seven Seas); Fri Flyt Omega-3 (Vesterálens); and Epadel (Mochida). Those commercial embodiments provide for various omega-3 fatty acids, combinations, and other components as a result of the transesterification process or method of preparation in order to obtain the omega-3 fatty acid(s) from various sources, such as marine, algae, microbial, and plant-based sources.

The fatty acid oil mixture according to the present disclosure may be derived from animal oils and/or non-animal oils. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the fatty acid oil mixture is derived from at least one oil chosen from marine oil, algae oil, plant-based oil, and microbial oil. Marine oils include, for example, fish oil, krill oil, and lipid composition derived from fish. Plant-based oils include, for example, flaxseed oil, canola oil, mustard seed oil, and soybean oil. Microbial oils include, for example, products by Martek. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fatty acid oil mixture is derived from a marine oil, such as a fish oil. In at least one embodiment, the marine oil is a purified fish oil.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the fatty acids, such as omega-3 fatty acids, of the fatty acid oil mixture are esterified, such as alkyl esters. The alkyl esters may include, but are not limited to, ethyl, methyl, propyl, and butyl esters, and mixtures thereof. In other embodiments, the fatty acids are chosen from mono-, di-, and triglycerides.

In some embodiments, the fatty acid oil mixture is obtained by a transesterification of the body oil of a fat fish species coming from, for example, anchovy or tuna oil, and subsequent physico-chemical purification processes, including urea fractionation followed by molecular distillation. In some embodiments, the crude oil mixture may also be subjected to a stripping process for decreasing the amount of environmental pollutants and/or cholesterol before the transesterification.

In another embodiment, the fatty acid oil mixture is obtained by using supercritical CO₂ extraction or chromatography techniques, for example, to up-concentrate primary EPA and DHA from fish oil concentrates. Commercial embodiments of fatty acids in ethyl triglyceride form encompassed by the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, K85TG (Pronova BioPharma Norge AS). Commercial embodiments of fatty acids in ethyl ester form encompassed by the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, K85EE (Pronova BioPharma Norge AS).

In another embodiment, the fatty acid oil mixture is obtained by hydrolyzing a fatty acid oil mixture in ethyl ester form. Commercial embodiments of fatty acids in free acid form encompassed by the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, K85FA (Pronova BioPharma Norge AS).

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one of the omega-3 fatty acids of the fatty acid oil mixture has a cis configuration. Examples include, but are not limited to, (all-Z)-9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid (ALA), (all-Z)-6,9,12,15-octadecatetraenoic acid (STA), (all-Z)-11,14,17-eicosatrienoic acid (ETE), (all-Z)-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), (all-Z)-4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), (all-Z)-8,11,14,17-eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA), (all-Z)-7,10,13,16,19-docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), (all-Z)-6,9,12,15,19-heneicosapentaenoic acid (HPA); (all-Z)-5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid, (all-Z)-4,7,10,13,16-docosapentaenoic acid (osbond acid), (all-Z)-9,12-octadecadienoic acid (linoleic acid), (all-Z)-5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (AA), (all-Z)-6,9,12-octadecatrienoic acid (GLA); (Z)-9-octadecenoic acid (oleic acid), 13(Z)-docosenoic acid (erucic acid), (R—(Z))-12-hydroxy-9-octadecenoic acid (ricinoleic acid).

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the weight ratio of EPA:DHA of the fatty acid oil mixture ranges from about 1:10 to about 10:1, from about 1:8 to about 8:1, from about 1:6 to about 6:1, from about 1:5 to about 5:1, from about 1:4 to about 4:1, from about 1:3 to about 3:1, or from about 1:2 to 2 about :1. In at least one embodiment, the weight ratio of EPA:DHA of the fatty acid oil mixture ranges from about 1:2 to about 2:1. In at least one embodiment, the weight ratio of EPA:DHA of the fatty acid oil mixture ranges from about 1:1 to about 2:1. In at least one embodiment, the weight ratio of EPA:DHA of the fatty acid oil mixture ranges from about 1.2 to about 1.3.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the compositions and/or preconcentrates comprise one or more fatty acids, or mixtures thereof, in free acid form. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that fatty acids in free acid form may enhance or improve lipolysis in the body. For example, the addition of at least one fatty acid in free acid form may enhance or improve interconversion of fatty acid esters and/or triglycerides to the free fatty acid form for efficient uptake. Free fatty acids may, for example, provide for enhanced or improved hydrolysis, solubility, bioavailability, absorption, or any combinations thereof of fatty acids in vivo.

Examples of free fatty acids include, but are not limited to, polyunsaturated fatty acids such as EPA, DHA, α-linolenic acid (ALA), heneicosapentaenoic acid (HPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA), eicosatrienoic acid (ETE), stearidonic acid (STA), linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), arachidonic acid (AA), osbond acid, oleic acid, ricinoleic acid, erucic acid, and mixtures thereof, in free acid form.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the compositions comprise a fatty acid oil mixture in a form chosen from ethyl ester and triglyceride and at least one free fatty acid, such as at least one free fatty acid comprising at least 80% omega-3 fatty acids by weight of the at least one free fatty acid, such as at least 90% omega-3 fatty acids by weight of the at least one free fatty acid. In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a fatty acid oil mixture in a form chosen from ethyl ester and triglyceride and at least one free fatty acid is chosen from oleic acid, ricinoleic acid, linoleic acid, and erucic acid. In one embodiment, the at least one free fatty acid comprises oleic acid or linoleic acid.

In some embodiments, the at least one free fatty acid comprises at least 75% EPA and DHA by weight of the at least one free fatty acid. For example, in some embodiments, the at least one free fatty acid comprises at least 80% by weight, at least 85% by weight, at least 90% by weight, or at least 95% EPA and DHA, by weight of the at least one free fatty acid. In some embodiments, the at least one free fatty acid comprises about 80% EPA and DHA by weight of the at least one free fatty acid, such as about 85%, about 90%, about 95%, or any number in between, by weight of the at least one free fatty acid. The at least one free fatty acid can be used in a pure form and/or as a component of an oil, for example, as marine oil (e.g., fish oil and purified fish oil concentrates), microbial oil and plant-based oils.

In some embodiments, the at least one free fatty acid comprises from about 75% to about 95% EPA and DHA by weight of the at least one free fatty acid, such as from about 75% to about 90%, from about 75% to about 85%, from about 75% to about 80%, from about 80% to about 95%, from about 80% to about 90%, from about 80% to about 85%, from about 85% to about 95%, from about 85% to about 90%, and further for example, from about 90% to about 95% by weight of the at least one free fatty acid, or any number in between. In at least one embodiment, the at least one free fatty acid comprises from about 80% to about 85% EPA and DHA, by weight of the at least one free fatty acid, such as from about 80% to about 88% EPA and DHA by weight, such as about 84%, by weight of the at least one free fatty acid.

Pharmaceutical

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the fatty acid oil mixture acts as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). In some embodiments, the fatty acid oil mixture is present in a pharmaceutically-acceptable amount. As used herein, the term “pharmaceutically-effective amount” means an amount sufficient to treat, e.g., reduce and/or alleviate the effects, symptoms, etc., at least one health problem in a subject in need thereof. In at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, the fatty acid oil mixture does not comprise an additional active agent.

Where the composition is a pharmaceutical composition, the fatty acid oil mixture comprises at least 75% EPA and DHA by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture. For example, in one embodiment, the fatty acid oil mixture comprises at least 80% EPA and DHA by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, such as at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95%, by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture. In some embodiments, the fatty acid oil mixture comprises about 80% EPA and DHA by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, such as about 85%, about 90%, about 95%, or any number in between, by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture.

For example, in some embodiments, the fatty acid oil mixture comprises from about 75% to about 95% EPA and DHA by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, such as from about 75% to about 90%, from about 75% to about 88%, from about 75% to about 85%, from about 75% to about 80%, from about 80% to about 95%, from about 80% to about 90%, from about 80% to about 85%, from about 85% to about 95%, from about 85% to about 90%, and further for example, from about 90% to about 95% EPA and DHA, by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, or any number in between. In at least one embodiment, the fatty acid oil mixture comprises from about 80% to about 85% EPA and DHA, by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, such as from about 80% to about 88%, such as about 84%, by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture.

In some embodiments, the fatty acid oil mixture comprises at least 95% of EPA or DHA, or EPA and DHA, by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture.

In a further embodiment, the fatty acid oil mixture may comprise other omega-3 fatty acids. For example, the present disclosure encompasses at least 90% omega-3 fatty acids, by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture.

In one embodiment, for example, the fatty acid oil mixture comprises from about 75% to about 88% EPA and DHA, by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the fatty acid oil mixture comprises at least 90% of omega-3 fatty acids, by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture.

In another embodiment, the fatty acid oil mixture comprises from about 75% to about 88% EPA and DHA, by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the fatty acid oil mixture comprises at least 90% of omega-3 fatty acids, by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, and wherein the fatty acid oil mixture comprises α-linolenic acid (ALA).

In one embodiment, the fatty acid oil mixture comprises from about 80% to about 88% EPA and DHA by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, and further comprises docosapentaenoic acid (DPA).

In another embodiment, the fatty acid oil mixture comprises from about 80% to about 88% EPA and DHA by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, and further comprises from about 1% to about 4% (all-Z omega-3)-6,9,12,15,18-heneicosapentaenoic acid (HPA), by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture.

In another embodiment, the fatty acid oil mixture comprises from about 80% to about 88% EPA and DHA by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture; and from 1% to about 4% fatty acids other than EPA and DHA, by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the fatty acids other than EPA and DHA have C₂₀, C₂₁, or C₂₂ carbon atoms.

In one embodiment, the fatty acid oil mixture may comprise K85EE or AGP 103 (Pronova BioPharma Norge AS). In another embodiment, the fatty acid oil mixture may comprise K85TG (Pronova BioPharma Norge AS). In yet another embodiment, the fatty acid oil mixture may comprise K85FA (BioPharma Norge AS).

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the pharmaceutical compositions provide for enhanced bioavailability, such as greater than about 40% increase in bioavailability, such as, about 80% increase.

EPA and DHA Products

In at least one embodiment, the fatty acid oil mixture comprises at least 75% EPA and DHA by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, of which at least 95% is EPA. In another embodiment, the fatty acid oil mixture comprises at least 80% EPA and DHA by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, of which at least 95% is EPA. In yet another embodiment, the fatty acid oil mixture comprises at least 90% EPA and DHA by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, of which at least 95% is EPA.

In another embodiment, the fatty acid oil mixture comprises at least 75% EPA and DHA by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, of which at least 95% is DHA. For example, in one embodiment, the fatty acid oil mixture comprises at least 80% EPA and DHA by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, of which at least 95% is DHA. In another embodiment, the fatty acid oil mixture comprises at least 90% EPA and DHA by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, of which at least 95% is DHA.

Supplement

The present disclosure further provides a food supplement or a nutritional supplement comprising a fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the fatty acid oil mixture comprises less than 75% EPA and DHA by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture. In some embodiments, for example, the fatty acid oil mixture comprises less than 70% EPA and DHA by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, such as less than 65%, less than 60%, less than 55%, less than 50%, less than 45%, less than 40%, or even less than 35% by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture.

In some embodiments, the fatty acid oil mixture comprises from about 25% to about 75% EPA and DHA by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, such as from about 30% to about 75%, from about 30% to about 70%, from about 30% to about 65%, from about 30% to about 55%, from about 30% to about 50%, from about 30% to about 45%, from about 30% to about 40%, and further for example, from about 30% to about 35% EPA and DHA, by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture.

Surfactant/Preconcentrate

The present disclosure provides for a preconcentrate composition, wherein the term “preconcentrate” refers to a composition comprising at least a fatty acid oil mixture and at least one surfactant. In some embodiments, for example, the preconcentrate comprises a fatty acid oil mixture in a form chosen from ethyl ester and triglyceride, at least one free fatty acid, and at least one surfactant. In other embodiments, the preconcentrate comprises a fatty acid oil mixture in free acid form and at least one surfactant. In still other embodiments, the preconcentrate comprises a fatty acid oil mixture in a form chosen from ethyl ester and triglyceride and at least one surfactant.

A surfactant may, for example, lower the surface tension of a liquid or the surface tension between two liquids. For example, surfactants according to the present disclosure may lower the surface tension between the fatty acid oil mixture and an aqueous solution.

Chemically speaking, surfactants are molecules with at least one hydrophilic part and at least one hydrophobic (i.e., lipophilic) part. Surfactant properties may be reflected in the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value of the surfactant, wherein the HLB value is a measure of the degree of hydrophilic versus lipophilic properties of a surfactant. The HLB value normally ranges from 0 to 20, where a HLB value of 0 represents high hydrophilic character, and a HLB of 20 represents high lipophilic character. Surfactants are often used in combination with other surfactants, wherein the HLB values are additive. The HLB value of surfactant mixtures may be calculated as follows: HLB _(A)(fraction of surfactant A)+HLB _(B)(fraction of surfactant B)=HLB _(A+B mixture)

Surfactants are generally classified as ionic surfactants, e.g., anionic or cationic surfactants, and nonionic surfactants. If the surfactant contains two oppositely charged groups, the surfactant is named a zwitterionic surfactant. Other types of surfactants include, for example, phospholipids.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the composition comprises at least one surfactant chosen from nonionic, anionic, cationic, and zwitterionic surfactants.

Non-limiting examples of nonionic surfactants suitable for the present disclosure are mentioned below.

Pluronic® surfactants are nonionic copolymers composed of a central hydrophobic polymer (polyoxypropylene(poly(propylene oxide))) with a hydrophilic polymer (polyoxyethylene(poly(ethylene oxide))) on each side. Various commercially-available Pluronic® products are listed in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Examples of Pluronic ® surfactants. Average Molecular Type Weight (D) HLB Value Pluronic ® L-31 Non-ionic 1100 1.0-7.0 Pluronic ® L-35 Non-ionic 1900 18.0-23.0 Pluronic ® L-61 Non-ionic 2000 1.0-7.0 Pluronic ® L-81 Non-ionic 2800 1.0-7.0 Pluronic ® L-64 Non-ionic 2900 12.0-18.0 Pluronic ® L-121 Non-ionic 4400 1.0-7.0 Pluronic ® P-123 Non-ionic 5800 7-9 Pluronic ® F-68 Non-ionic 8400 >24 Pluronic ® F-108 Non-ionic 14600 >24

Brij® are nonionic surfactants comprising polyethylene ethers. Various commercially-available Brij® products are listed in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Examples of Brij ® surfactants. HLB Type Compound Value Brij ® 30 Non-ionic Polyoxyethylene(4) lauryl ether 9.7 Brij ® 35 Non-ionic polyoxyethylene (23) lauryl ether 16.9 Brij ® 52 Non-ionic Polyoxyethylene (2) cetyl ether 5.3 Brij ® 56 Non-ionic Polyoxyethylene (10) cetyl ether 12.9 Brij ® 58 Non-ionic Polyoxyethylene (20) cetyl ether 15.7 Brij ® 72 Non-ionic polyoxyethylene (2) stearyl ether 4.9 Brij ® 76 Non-ionic polyoxyethylene (10) stearyl ether 12.4 Brij ® 78 Non-ionic polyoxyethylene (20) stearyl ether 15.3 Brij ® 92V Non-ionic Polyoxyethylene (2) oleyl ether 4.9 Brij ® 93 Non-ionic Polyoxyethylene (2) oleyl ether 4 Brij ® 96V Non-ionic polyethylene glycol oleyl ether 12.4 Brij ® 97 Non-ionic Polyoxyethylene (10) oleyl ether 12 Brij ® 98 Non-ionic Polyoxyethylene (20) oleyl ether 15.3 Brij ® 700 Non-ionic polyoxyethylene (100) stearyl ether 18

Span® are nonionic surfactants comprising sorbitan esters. Span® is available from different sources including Aldrich. Various commercially-available Span® products are listed in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Examples of Span ® surfactants. Type Compound HLB Value Span ® 20 Non-ionic sorbitan monolaurate 8.6 Span ® 40 Non-ionic sorbitan monopalmitate 6.7 Span ® 60 Non-ionic sorbitan monostearate 4.7 Span ® 65 Non-ionic sorbitan tristearate 2.1 Span ® 80 Non-ionic sorbitan monooleate 4.3 Span ® 85 Non-ionic Sorbitan trioleate 1.8

Tween® (polysorbates) are nonionic surfactants comprising polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters. Various commercially-available Tween® products are listed in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Examples of Tween ® surfactants. HLB Type Compound Value Tween ® Non-ionic polyoxyethylene (20) 16.0 20 sorbitan monolaurate Tween ® Non-ionic polyoxyethylene (20) 15.6 40 sorbitan monopalmitate Tween ® Non-ionic polyoxyethylene sorbitan 14.9 60 monostearate Tween ® Non-ionic polyoxyethylene sorbitan 10.5 65 tristearate Tween ® Non-ionic polyoxyethylene(20)sorbitan 15.0 80 monooleate Tween ® Non-ionic polyoxyethylene sorbane 11.0 85 trioleate

Myrj® are nonionic surfactants comprising polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters. Various commercially-available Myrj® products are listed in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Examples of Myrj ® surfactants. HLB Type Compound Value Myrj ® 45 Non-ionic polyoxyethylene 11.1 monostearate Myrj ® 49 Non-ionic polyoxyethylene 15.0 monostearate Myrj ® 52 Non-ionic polyoxyethylene 16.9 monostearate Myrj ® 53 Non-ionic polyoxyethylene 17.9 monostearate

Cremophor® are nonionic surfactants. Various commercially-available Cremophor® products are listed in Table 6.

TABLE 6 Examples of Cremophor ® surfactants. HLB Type Compound Value Cremophor ® REL Non-ionic polyoxyethylated castor oil  2-14 Cremophor ® RH40 Non-ionic hydrogenated 14-16 polyoxyethylated castor oil Cremophor ® RH60 Non-ionic hydrogenated 15-17 polyoxyethylated castor oil Cremophor ® RO Non-ionic hydrogenated 16.1 polyoxyethylated castor oil

According to the present disclosure, other exemplary nonionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, diacetyl monoglycerides, diethylene glycol monopalmitostearate, ethylene glycol monopalmitostearate, glyceryl behenate, glyceryl distearate, glyceryl monolinoleate, glyceryl mono-oleate, glyceryl monostearate, macrogol cetostearyl ether such as cetomacrogol 1000 and polyoxy 20 cetostearyl ether, macrogol 15 hydroxystearate, macrogol lauril ethers such as laureth 4 and lauromacrogol 400, macrogol monomethyl ethers, macrogol oleyl ethers such as polyoxyl 10 oleyl ether, macrogol stearates such as polyoxyl 40 stearate, menfegol, mono and diglycerides, nonoxinols such as nonoxinol-9, nonoxinol-10 and nonoxinol-11, octoxinols such as octoxinol 9 and oxtoxinol 10, polyoxamers such as polyoxalene, polyoxamer 188, polyoxamer 407, polyoxyl castor oil such as polyoxyl 35 castor oil, polyoxyl hydrogenated castor oil such as polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil, propylene glycol diacetate, propylene glycol laurates such as propylene glycol dilaurate and propylene glycol monolaurate. Further examples include propylene glycol monopalmitostearate, quillaia, sorbitan esters, and sucrose esters.

Anionic surfactants suitable for the present disclosure include, for example, salts of perfluorocarboxylic acids and perfluorosulphonic acid, alkyl sulphate salts such as sodium dodecyl sulphate and ammonium lauryl sulphate, sulphate ethers such as sodium lauryl ether sulphate, and alkyl benzene sulphonate salts.

Cationic surfactants suitable for the present disclosure include, for example, quaternary ammonium compounds such as benzalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chlorides, benzethonium chlorides, and cetyl trimethylammonium bromides or other trimethylalkylammonium salts.

Zwitterionic surfactants include, but are limited to, for example dodecyl betaines, coco amphoglycinates and cocamidopropyl betaines.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the surfactant may comprise a phospholipid, derivative thereof, or analogue thereof. Such surfactants may, for example, be chosen from natural, synthetic, and semisynthetic phospholipids, derivatives thereof, and analogues thereof. Exemplary phospholipids surfactants include phosphatidylcholines with saturated, unsaturated and/or polyunsaturated lipids such as dioleoylphosphatidylcholine, dipentadecanoylphosphatidylcholine, dilauroylphosphatidylcholine, dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, distearoylphosphatidylcholine, di-eicopentaenoyl(EPA)choline, didocosahexaenoyl(DHA)choline, phosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidylglycerols, phosphatidylserines and phosphatidylinositols. Other exemplary phospholipid surfactants include soybean lecithin, egg lecithin, diolelyl phosphatidylcholine, distearoyl phosphatidyl glycerol, PEG-ylated phospholipids, and dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine.

Phospholipids may be “natural” or from a marine origin chosen from, e.g. phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol. The fatty acid moiety may be chosen from 14:0, 16:0, 16: 1n-7, 18:0, 18:1n-9, 18:1n-7, 18:2n-6, 18:3n-3, 18:4n-3, 20:4n-6, 20:5n-3, 22:5n-3 and 22:6n-3, or any combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the fatty acid moiety is chosen from palmitic acid, EPA and DHA.

Other exemplary surfactants suitable for the present disclosure are listed in Table 7.

TABLE 7 Other surfactants Surfactant Type HBL Value Ethylene glycol distearate Nonionic 1.5 Glyceryl monostearate Nonionic 3.3 Propylene glycol monostearate Nonionic 3.4 Glyceryl monostearate Nonionic 3.8 Diethylene glycol monolaurate Nonionic 6.1 Acacia Anionic 8.0 Cetrimonium bromide Cationic 23.3 Cetylpyridinium chloride Cationic 26.0 Polyoxamer 188 Nonionic 29.0 Sodium lauryl sulphate Anionic 40

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one surfactant does not comprise Labrasol, Cremophor RH40, or the combination of Cremophor and Tween-80.

In some embodiments, the at least one surfactant has a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of less than about 10, such as less than about 9, or less than about 8.

The weight ratio of EPA and DHA to the at least one surfactant may range depending on the choice of surfactant(s), the EPA to DHA ratio, and the overall formulation. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the weight ratio of EPA and DHA:surfactant ranges from about 10:5 to about 10:0.001, from about 10:4 to about 10:0.005, from about 10:3 to about 10:0.01, from about 10:2 to about 0.015, from about 10:2 to about 10:0.02, or from about 10:15 to about 10:0.03.

Co-Surfactant

In some embodiments, the preconcentrates of the present disclosure further comprise at least one co-surfactant. As used herein the term “co-surfactant” means a substance added to, e.g., the preconcentrate in combination with the at least one surfactant to affect, e.g., increase or enhance, emulsification and/or stability of the preconcentrate, for example to aid in forming an emulsion. In some embodiments, the at least one co-surfactant is hydrophilic.

Examples of co-surfactants suitable for the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, short chain alcohols comprising from 1 to 6 carbons (e.g., ethanol), benzyl alcohol, alkane diols and triols (e.g., propylene glycol, glycerol, polyethylene glycols such as PEG and PEG 400), glycol ethers such as tetraglycol and glycofurol (e.g., tetrahydrofurfuryl PEG ether), pyrrolidine derivatives such as N-methylpyrrolidone (e.g., Pharmasolve®) and 2-pyrrolidone (e.g., Soluphor® P), and bile salts, for example sodium deoxycholate. Further examples include ethyl oleate.

In some embodiments, the at least one co-surfactant comprises from about 1% to about 10%, by weight relative to the weight of the preconcentrate.

Solvent

In some embodiments, the compositions and/or preconcentrates further comprise at least one solvent. Hydrophilic solvents suitable for the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, alcohols, including water-miscible alcohols, such as absolute ethanol and/or glycerol, and glycols, for example glycols obtainable from an oxide such as ethylene oxide, such as 1,2-propylene glycol. Other non-limiting examples include polyols, such as polyalkylene glycol, e.g., poly(C₂₋₃)alkylene glycol such as polyethylene glycol.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the preconcentrate comprises at least one substance that acts both as a co-surfactant and a solvent, for example an alcohol such as ethanol. In other embodiments, the preconcentrate comprises at least one co-surfactant and at least one solvent that are different substances. For example, in some embodiments the preconcentrate comprises ethanol as the co-surfactant and glycerol as the solvent.

Superdisintegrant

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the compositions and/or preconcentrates may comprise at least one superdistintegrant. Superdisintegrants may, for example, improve disintegrant efficiency resulting in decreased use levels in comparison to traditional disintegrants. Examples of superdisintegrants include, but are not limited to, crosscarmelose (a crosslinked cellulose), crospovidone (a crosslinked polymer), sodium starch glycolate (a crosslinked starch), and soy polysaccharides. Commercial examples of superdisintegrants include Kollidon® (BASF), Polyplasdone® XL (ISP), and Ac-Di-Sol (FMC BioPolymer).

The compositions and/or preconcentrates may comprise from about 1% to about 25% of at least one superdisintegrant by weight, such as from about 1% to about 20% by weight, or from about 1% to about 15% by weight of the composition and/or preconcentrate. In some embodiments, the compositions and/or preconcentrates comprising at least one superdisintegrant are in a tablet form.

In some embodiments, the weight ratio of fatty acid oil mixture:surfactant of the preconcentrate ranges from about 1:1 to about 10:1, from about 1.1 to about 8:1, from 1:1 to about 7:1, from 1:1 to about 6:1, from 1:1 to about 5:1, from 1:1 to about 4:1, from 1:1 to about 3:1, or from 1:1 to about 2:1.

In some embodiments, the at least one surfactant comprises from about 5% to about 55%, by weight relative to the total weight of the preconcentrate. For example, in some embodiments, the at least one surfactant comprises from about 5% to about 35%, from about 10% to about 35%, from about 15% to about 35%, from about 15% to about 30%, or from about 20% to about 30%, by weight, relative to the total weight of the preconcentrate.

SNEDDS/SMEDDS/SEDDS

The preconcentrate of the present disclosure may be in a form of a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS), a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS), or a self emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS), wherein the preconcentrate forms an emulsion in an aqueous solution.

Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the preconcentrate forms a SNEDDS, SMEDDS, and/or SEDDS upon contact with gastric and/or intestinal media in the body, wherein the preconcentrate forms an emulsion comprising micelle particles. The emulsion may, for example, provide for increased or improved stability of the fatty acids for uptake in the body and/or provide increased or improved surface area for absorption. SNEDDS/SMEDDS/SEDDS may thus provide for enhanced or improved hydrolysis, solubility, bioavailability, absorption, or any combinations thereof of fatty acids in vivo.

Generally, known SNEDDS/SMEDDS/SEDDS formulations comprise ˜10 mg of a drug and ˜500 mg of surfactants/co-surfactants. The SNEDDS/SMEDDS/SEDDS presently disclosed may have the opposite relationship, i.e., the amount of fatty acid oil mixture comprising the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) is greater than the amount of surfactant.

The SNEDDS/SMEDDS/SEDDS presently disclosed may comprise a particle size (i.e., particle diameter) ranging from about 5 nm to about 10 μm. For example, in some embodiments, the particle size ranges from about 5 nm to about 1 μm, such as from about 50 nm to about 750 nm, from about 100 nm to about 500 nm, or from about 150 nm to about 350 nm.

Excipients

The compositions, preconcentrates, and/or SNEDDS/SMEDDS/SEDDS presently disclosed may further comprise at least one non-active pharmaceutical ingredient, e.g., excipient. Non-active ingredients may solubilize, suspend, thicken, dilute, emulsify, stabilize, preserve, protect, color, flavor, and/or fashion active ingredients into an applicable and efficacious preparation, such that it may be safe, convenient, and/or otherwise acceptable for use. The at least one non-active ingredient may be chosen from colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, lactose monohydrate, lecithin, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, povidone, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium stearyl fumarate, talc, titanium dioxide, and xanthum gum.

The compositions, preconcentrates, and/or SNEDDS/SMEDDS/SEDDS presently disclosed may further comprise at least one antioxidant. Examples of antioxidants suitable for the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, α-tocopherol (vitamin E), calcium disodium EDTA, alpha tocoferyl acetates, butylhydroxytoluenes (BHT), and butylhydroxyanisoles (BHA).

Forms

The compositions and/or preconcentrates presently disclosed may be administered, e.g., in capsule, tablet, sachet, or any other form suitable for drug delivery. The dosage form can be of any shape suitable for oral administration, such as spherical, oval, ellipsoidal, cube-shaped, regular, and/or irregular shaped. The dosage forms can be prepared according to processes known in the art and can include one or more additional pharmaceutically-acceptable excipients as discussed above.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the compositions and/or preconcentrates are in a capsule or a tablet form. The capsule wall-forming material may comprise, for example, gelatin or polysaccharides other than alginate. In at least one embodiment, the capsule is a gelatin capsule. The capsules may be hard capsules or soft capsules.

When the dosage form is in the form of tablets, the tablets may be, for example, disintegrating tablets, fast dissolving tablets, effervescent tablets, fast melt tablets, and/or mini-tablets. Tablet formulations are described, for example, in patent publication WO 2006/000229. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the tablets comprise Neusilin (e.g., magnesium aluminometasilicate).

The capsules and/or tablets of the present disclosure may comprise at least one coating. Such coatings can delay the release of the capsule or tablet (e.g., release of EPA and/or DHA) for a predetermined period. For example, the at least one coating may allow the dosage form to pass through the stomach without being subjected to stomach acid or digestive juices to provide for delayed release of EPA and/or DHA outside of the stomach. In some embodiments, the capsules and/or tablets release less than 30% of the total EPA and/or DHA in the stomach, such as less than 25%, less than 20%, less than 15%, or less than 10%.

In some embodiments, the at least one coating is chosen from enteric coatings, sub-layers, top-layers, and combinations thereof. The term “sub-layer” as used herein means a coating layer located between the capsule wall material (e.g., gelatin wall) or the tablet surface and an enteric coating. The term “top-layer” as used herein means a coating layer over an enteric coating covering the capsule wall material or the tablet surface. The chemical composition of sub-layers and top-layers may vary depending upon the overall composition of the capsule or tablet. Typical materials for the sub-layers and top-layers presently disclosed include film-forming agents such as polysaccharides, for example hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the capsules and/or tablets comprise at least one enteric coating. In some embodiments, the capsules and/or tablets comprise at least one enteric coating and at least one top-layer over the at least one enteric coating. In other embodiments, the capsules and/or tablets comprise at least one enteric coating and at least one sub-layer between the capsule wall or the tablet surface and the at least one enteric coating. In still other embodiments, the capsules and/or tablets comprise at least one enteric coating, at least one sub-layer between the capsule wall or the tablet surface, and at least one top-layer over the at least one enteric coating. In some embodiments, at least one of the sub-layer(s) and/or top-layer(s) comprises hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose.

In some embodiments, the at least one sub-layer comprises a sealant. Suitable sealants may comprise, for example, permeable or soluble agents such as hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl ethylcellulose, and xanthan gum. Other agents can be added to improve the processability of the sealant or barrier layer. Such agents include talc, colloidal silica, polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide, micronized silica, fumed silica, glycerol monostearate, magnesium trisilicate and magnesium stearate, or a mixture thereof. The sealant or barrier layer can be applied from solution (e.g., aqueous) or suspension using any known means, such as a fluidized bed coater (e.g., Wurster coating) or pan coating system. Suitable sealants or barriers include, for example, Opadry® products such as Opadry® II available from Colorcon.

In some embodiments, the at least one coating is pH-independent. Coatings with pH-independent profiles generally erode or dissolve away after a predetermined period, and the period is generally directly proportional to the thickness of the coating. In other embodiments, the at least one coating is pH-dependent. Coatings with pH-dependent profiles can generally maintain their integrity while in the acid pH of the stomach, but erode or dissolve upon entering the more basic upper intestine. In some embodiments, the at least one coating is insoluble at a pH below about 5 and soluble at a pH above about 6.

Examples of coating materials suitable for the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, gelatin, film-forming agents, polymers, and copolymers. Examples of polymers and copolymers include, but are not limited to, acrylate-based polymers and copolymers (e.g., methacrylic acid, copolymers between methacrylic acid and methyl methacrylate, copolymers between methacrylic acid and methyl acrylate, copolymers between methacrylic acid and ethyl methacrylate, and copolymers between methacrylic acid and ethyl acrylate) and polysaccharide and/or cellulose-based polymers and copolymers (e.g., cellulose acetate phthalate, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose phthalate, and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose acetate succinate). Others polymers include, for example, polyvinyl acetate phthalate. Additional materials suitable for the at least one coating include pharmaceutically acceptable acidic compounds that may not dissolve at the low pH in the stomach, but may dissolve at higher pH in the lower part of the gastrointestinal system.

Commerically-available examples of polymers suitable for the present disclosure include EUDRAGIT® products from Evonik. EUDRAGIT® polymers are polymeric lacquer substances based on acrylates and/or methacrylates, and may be pH-independent or pH-dependent.

For example, EUDRAGIT® RL and EUDRAGIT® RS are acrylic resins comprising copolymers of acrylic and methacrylic acid esters with a low content of quaternary ammonium groups. The ammonium groups are present as salts and give rise to permeability of the lacquer films. EUDRAGIT® RL and EUDRAGIT® RS are freely permeable (RL) and slightly permeable (RS), respectively, independent of pH. The polymers swell in water and digestive juices, in a pH-independent manner. In the swollen state, they are permeable to water and to dissolved active compounds. Specific examples include EUDRAGIT® RL 30D, EUDRAGIT® RL PO, EUDRAGIT® RL 100, EUDRAGIT® RL 12,5, EUDRAGIT® RS 30D, EUDRAGIT® RS PO, EUDRAGIT® RS 100, and EUDRAGIT® RS 12,5. Additional examples of pH-independent polymers include EUDRAGIT® E 100, EUDRAGIT® E 12,5, and EUDRAGIT® E PO. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one coating comprises EUDRAGIT® RS 30D.

Further, for example, EUDRAGIT® L and EUDRAGIT® S are anionic polymers synthesized from methacrylic acid and methacrylic acid methyl ester. They are insoluble in acids and pure water, and become soluble in neutral to weakly alkaline conditions. The permeability of EUDRAGIT® L and EUDRAGIT S is pH dependent. Above pH 5.0, the polymers become increasingly permeable. Specific examples include EUDRAGIT® L100-55, EUDRAGIT® L30D-55, EUDRAGIT® L100, EUDRAGIT® L100 12,5, EUDRAGIT® S100, EUDRAGIT® S12,5, and EUDRAGIT® FS 30D. Additional examples of pH-dependent polymers include EUDRAGIT® E100, EUDRAGIT® E 12,5, and EUDRAGIT® PO. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one coating comprises EUDRAGIT® L100-55.

The at least one coating may comprise at least one plasticizer. Plasticizers may, for example to improve the mechanical properties of pH-sensitive materials of the at least one coating. Suitable plasticizers include, but are not limited to, triethyl citrate, triacetin, polyethylene glycols, propylene glycol, phthalates, sorbitol and glycerin. The amount of plasticizer may vary depending upon the chemical composition of the at least one coating and the chemical composition and size of the capsule or tablet. In some embodiments, for example, the amount of plasticizer ranges from about 10% to about 60% by weight of the at least one coating.

The amount of coating material or thickness of the at least one coating may vary depending upon the chemical compositions and number of different coating layers, and chemical composition, size, and shape of the capsule or the tablet. Generally speaking, the coating should be sufficient thick to prevent substantial release of EPA and/or DHA in the stomach, but also not contribute significantly to the capsule or tablet size. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the thickness of the at least one coating ranges from about 10 microns to about 2 mm, such as from about 20 microns to about 1 mm. In some embodiments, the at least one coating comprises from about 1% to about 50% of the dry capsule wall-forming material (e.g., gelatin).

The capsules according to the present disclosure may be manufactured in low oxygen conditions to inhibit oxidation during the manufacturing process. The capsules may be prepared, for example, by direct encapsulation using standard methods known in the art. Examples of such methods include, but are not limited to, simple coacervation methods (see, e.g., ES 2009346, EP 0052510, and EP 0346879), complex coacervation methods (see, e.g., GB 1393805), double emulsion methods (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,652,441), simple emulsion methods (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,832), and solvent evaporation methods (see, e.g., GB 2209937). Those methods may, for example, provide for continuous processing and flexibility of batch size. The present disclosure further provides for coating pre-prepared capsules (e.g., gelatin capsules comprising a fatty acid oil mixture). The coating of pre-prepared capsules may be performed, for example, by spraying such as using spray drying techniques or spraying into a coating pan comprising preformed capsules, or by dipping capsules into coating solutions.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the capsule fill content ranges from about 0.400 g to about 1.600 g. For example, in some embodiments, the capsule fill content ranges from about 0.400 g to about 1.300 g, from about 0.600 g to about 1.200 g, from about 0.600 g to about 0.800 g, from about 0.800 g to about 1.000, from about 1.000 g to about 1.200 g, or any amount in between. For example, in some embodiments the capsule fill content is about 0.600 g, about 0.800 g, about 1.000 g, or about 1.200 g.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the compositions and/or preconcentrates comprise from about 300 mg to about 400 mg of DHA, such as about 375 mg. In some embodiment, the compositions and/or preconcentrates comprise from about 400 mg to about 500 mg of EPA, such as about 465 mg. In one embodiment, for example, the compositions and/or preconcentrates comprise about 375 mg of DHA and about 465 mg of EPA.

Methods or Uses

The present disclosure further encompasses methods of treating and/or regulating at least one health problem in a subject in need thereof. The compositions and preconcentrates presently disclosed may be administered, e.g., in capsule, tablet or any other suitable form for drug delivery, to a subject for therapeutic treatment and/or regulation of at least one health problem including, for example, irregular plasma lipid levels, cardiovascular functions, immune functions, visual functions, insulin action, neuronal development, heart failure, and post myocardial infarction. In some embodiments, the at least one health problem is chosen from mixed dyslipidemia, dyslipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, heart failure, and post-myocardial infarction.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides for a method of treating at least one health problem in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising a pharmaceutically-effective amount of a fatty acid oil mixture comprising at least 75% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in a form chosen from ethyl ester and triglyceride; and at least one free fatty acid; wherein the gelatin or the tablet comprises at least one coating. In some embodiments, the method treats at least one of elevated triglyceride levels, non-HDL cholesterol levels, LDL cholesterol levels and/or VLDL cholesterol levels. For example, the method may reduce triglyceride levels from about 30% to about 80%, such as from about 40% to about 70%, from about 40% to about 60%, or from about 30% to about 50%, in a subject with elevated triglyceride levels.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides for a method of regulating at least one health problem in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject administering to the subject a supplement composition in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising: a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 25% to about 75% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in a form chosen from ethyl ester and triglyceride; and at least one free fatty acid; wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating, and wherein the at least one health problem is chosen from irregular plasma lipid levels, cardiovascular functions, immune functions, visual functions, insulin action, neuronal development, heart failure, and post myocardial infarction.

The present disclosure further provides for a method for enhancing at least one parameter chosen from hydrolysis, solubility, bioavailability, absorption, and combinations thereof of EPA and/or DHA. The bioavailability may be increased, for example, by at least 40%, such as by about 80% or by at least 85%.

In one embodiment, the method for enhancing at least one parameter chosen from hydrolysis, solubility, bioavailability, absorption, and combinations thereof of EPA and/or DHA comprises: combining a fatty acid oil mixture comprising EPA and DHA in a form chosen from ethyl ester and triglyceride; and at least one free fatty acid in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form, wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

In another embodiment, the method for enhancing at least one parameter chosen from hydrolysis, solubility, bioavailability, absorption, and combinations thereof of EPA and/or DHA comprises: combining a fatty acid oil mixture comprising EPA and DHA in a form chosen from ethyl ester and triglyceride; at least one free fatty acid; and at least one surfactant in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form, wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

In another embodiment, the method for enhancing at least one parameter chosen from hydrolysis, solubility, bioavailability, absorption, and combinations thereof of EPA and/or DHA comprises: combining a fatty acid oil mixture comprising EPA and DHA in free acid form and at least one free fatty acid in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form, wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

In yet another embodiment, the method for enhancing at least one parameter chosen from hydrolysis, solubility, bioavailability, absorption, and combinations thereof of EPA and/or DHA comprises: combining a fatty acid oil mixture comprising EPA and DHA in a form chosen from ethyl ester and triglyceride and at least one surfactant in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form, wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

The preconcentrates presently disclosed can form a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS), self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS), or self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) in an aqueous solution in the methods presently disclosed.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the pharmaceutical or supplement compositions, or pharmaceutical or supplement preconcentrates may be administered to a subject in need thereof to treat and/or regulate at least one health problem.

In some embodiments, the preconcentrates of the present disclosure form a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS), a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS), or a self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) in an aqueous solution. In some embodiments, the aqueous solution is gastric media and/or intestinal media.

The total daily dosage of the fatty acid oil mixture may range from about 0.600 g to about 6.000 g. For example, in some embodiments, the total dosage of the fatty acid oil mixture ranges from about 0.800 g to about 4.000 g, from about 1.000 g to about 4.000 g, from about 0.5000 g to about 4.000 g, from about 0.250 g to about 2.000 g, from about 0.400 g to about 2.000 g, or from about 1.000 g to about 2.000 g. In one embodiment, the fatty acid oil mixture is chosen from K85EE and AGP 103 fatty acid oil compositions. In another embodiment, the fatty acid oil mixture comprises K85FA.

The administration may be oral or any other form of administration that provides a dosage of fatty acids, e.g., omega-3 fatty acids, to a subject, such as a human. For example, the compositions and preconcentrates presently disclosed may be administered as capsules and/or tablets in from 1 to 10 dosages, such as from 1 to 4 times a day, such as once, twice, three times, or four times per day, and further for example, once, twice or three times per day.

Formulations

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the preconcentrate is a pharmaceutical preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising a fatty acid oil mixture comprising at least 75% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in a form chosen from ethyl ester and triglyceride; at least one free fatty acid; and at least one surfactant, wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprises: a fatty acid oil mixture comprising at least 95% of EPA ethyl ester, DHA ethyl ester, or mixtures thereof, by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture; at least one free fatty acid chosen from linoleic, α-linolenic acid (ALA), γ-linoleic acid (GLA), and oleic acid; and a least one surfactant chosen from polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80, and mixtures thereof, wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprises: a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 80% to about 88% EPA and DHA by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in ethyl ester form; at least one free fatty acid comprising oleic acid; and at least one surfactant chosen from polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80, and mixtures thereof; wherein the at least one surfactant comprises less than 40%, by weight relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, and wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprises: a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 80% to about 88% EPA and DHA by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in ethyl ester form; at least one free fatty acid comprising linoleic acid; and at least one surfactant chosen from polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80, and mixtures thereof; wherein the at least one surfactant comprises less than 35%, by weight relative the weight of the preconcentrate, and wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprises: a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 80% to about 88% EPA and DHA by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in ethyl ester form; at least one free fatty acid comprising from about 80% to about 88% EPA and DHA, by weight of the at least one free fatty acid, wherein the EPA and DHA are in free acid form; and at least one surfactant chosen from polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80, and mixtures thereof, wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating. For example, the pharmaceutical preconcentrate may comprise K85EE as the fatty acid oil mixture, K85FA as the at least one free fatty acid, and at least one surfactant chosen from polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80, and mixtures thereof.

In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical preconcentrate may comprise K85EE as the fatty acid oil mixture, K85FA as the at least one free fatty acid, and at least one surfactant chosen from polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, wherein the [K85EE]:[Tween]:[K85FA] ranges from e.g. about 5:2:0.5 to 5:4:2. In a further embodiment, the ration between [K85EE]:[Tween]:[K85FA] is about [4-5]:[3-4]:[1-1.5].

In another embodiment, minimum of about 5-10% up to maximum of about 50% of fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 80% to about 88% EPA and DHA by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in ethyl ester form, is substituted by a free fatty acid chosen from a K85-FA composition (corresponding to a K85-FA fatty acid profile achieved by hydrolyzing a K85-EE fatty acid ethyl ester composition) EPA, DPA, DHA, and combinations thereof. For example, the EPA-EE and DHA-EE content from 400 mg/g to 840 mg/g of total fatty acid oil mixture is replaced by 40 to 440 mg/g Free fatty acid chosen from a K85-FA composition.

In other embodiments, the preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form is a food supplement or nutritional supplement preconcentrate comprising a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 25% to about 75% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in a form chosen from ethyl ester and triglyceride; at least one free fatty acid; and at least one surfactant, wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the preconcentrate is a pharmaceutical preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising a fatty acid oil mixture comprising at least 75% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in free fatty acid form; and at least one surfactant, wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

In one embodiment, for example, the pharmaceutical preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprises: a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 80% to about 88% EPA and DHA by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in free acid form; and at least one surfactant chosen from polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80, and mixtures thereof, wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprises: a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 80% to about 88% EPA and DHA by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in free acid form; and at least one surfactant chosen from polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80, and mixtures thereof; wherein the at least one surfactant comprises less than 40%, by weight relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, and wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

In another embodiment, for example, the pharmaceutical preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprises: a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 80% to about 88% EPA and DHA by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in free acid form, and oleic acid; and at least one surfactant chosen from polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80, and mixtures thereof; wherein the at least one surfactant comprises less than 40%, by weight relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, and, wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprises: a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 80% to about 88% EPA and DHA by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in free acid form, and α-linoleic acid; and at least one surfactant chosen from polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80, and mixtures thereof; wherein the at least one surfactant comprises less than 35%, by weight relative the weight of the preconcentrate, and, wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical pre-concentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprises a K85FA fatty acid oil mixture and at least one surfactant chosen from polysorbate 20 and polysorbate 80, wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

In other embodiments, the preconcentrate is a food supplement preconcentrate or nutritional supplement preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 25% to about 75% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in free acid form; and at least one surfactant, wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the preconcentrate is a pharmaceutical preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising a fatty acid oil mixture comprising at least 75% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in a form chosen from ethyl ester and triglyceride; and at least one surfactant, wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprises: a fatty acid oil mixture comprising at least 95% of EPA ethyl ester, DHA ethyl ester, or mixtures thereof, by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture; and a least one surfactant chosen from polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80, and mixtures thereof, wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprises: a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 80% to about 88% EPA and DHA by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in ethyl ester form; and at least one surfactant chosen from polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80, and mixtures thereof; wherein the at least one surfactant comprises less than 40%, by weight relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprises: a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 80% to about 88% EPA and DHA by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in ethyl ester form; and at least one surfactant chosen from polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80, and mixtures thereof; wherein the at least one surfactant comprises less than 35%, by weight relative the weight of the preconcentrate, wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

In some embodiments, for example, the pharmaceutical preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprises K85EE as the fatty acid oil mixture, and at least one surfactant chosen from polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80, and mixtures thereof, wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprises a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 80% to about 88% EPA and DHA, by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in ethyl ester form; at least one surfactant chosen from polysorbate 80; and at least one co-surfactant comprising ethanol, and wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

In other embodiments, the preconcentrate is a food supplement preconcentrate or nutritional supplement preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 25% to about 75% EPA and DHA, by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, wherein the EPA and DHA are in a form chosen from ethyl ester and triglyceride; and at least one surfactant, and, wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating.

The following examples are intended to illustrate the present disclosure without, however, being limiting in nature. It is understood that the skilled artisan will envision additional embodiments consistent with the disclosure provided herein.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Preconcentrates

Different preconcentrates were prepared as described in Table 9. To prepare the preconcentrates, the components were mixed according to the schemes identified below on a weight to weight basis. The preconcentrates were Visually inspected after mixing and again after being stored for 24 hours at room temperature. Under the Preconcentrate heading, a “clear” designation represents a transparent homogenous mixture; an “unclear” designation represents a nonhomogenous mixture, where some turbidity can be observed by visual inspection. The degree of turbidity was not determined.

All clear preconcentrates were emulsified in gastric media, by adding gastric media (2 ml) to approximately 100 mg of the preconcentrate. The composition of the gastric media is shown in Table 8.

TABLE 8 Composition of Gastric Media. Gastric Media Bile salts, Porcine (mM) 0.08 Lechitin(mM) 0.02 Sodium chloride (mM) 34.2 Pepsin (mg/ml) 0.1 pH 1.6 (adjust with 1M HCl) Osmolarity(mOsm/kg) 120

The outcome of the emulsification was recorded approximately 3 hours after mixing. A majority of the preconcentrates formed milky emulsions immediately after mixing. Emulsions that stayed milky and homogenous after 3 hours are described as “milky,” under the Emulsion heading. Emulsions that separated or became nonhomogenous or where oil drops were observed are described as “separates,” under the Emulsion heading.

Selected emulsions were further characterized by determining the particle size. Particle size was measured using a Malvern Zetasizer (Malvern Instrument, Worcestershire, UK) with particle size measuring range of 0.5-6000 nm and Zeta potential of particle range of 3 nm-10 μm. The particle size was measured in triplicate. The K85EE (EE=ethyl ester) fatty acid composition used herein is sold in a gelatin capsule and branded primarily under the trademarks Lovaza™ or Omacor®.

TABLE 9 Preconcentrates. K85- Tween- Total Particle EE 20 Oleic Acid vol. Pre- Size No. (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg) Ratio conc. Emulsion (nm)  1 451.4 234.3 99 784.7 57:29:12 Unclear — —  2 448.8 299.7 53.8 802.3 55:37:6  Unclear — —  3 451.2 324.7 24.7 800.6 56:40:3  Unclear — — 10 400 300 100 800 50:37:12 Clear Milky 271 11 404 298 97 799 50:37:12 Clear Milky — 12 500 300 217 1017 49:29:21 Clear Separates — 13 398 300 99 797 49:37:12 Clear Milky 257 14 399 252 98 749 53:33:13 Clear Separates 226 15 400 204 102 706 56:28:14 Clear Separates 199 21 450 198 133 781 57:25:17 Clear Separates — 23 549 204 169 922 59:22:18 Clear Separates — 24 600 200 178 978 61:20:18 Clear Separates — 26 453 214 121 788 57:27:15 Clear Separates — 27 456 220 121 797 57:27:15 Clear Separates — 28 452 228 144 824 54:27:17 Clear Separates — 29 448 230 122 800 56:28:15 Clear Separates — 30 452 242 124 818 55:29:15 Clear Separates — 31 449 251 124 824 54:30:15 Clear Milky — 32 448 260 123 831 53:31:14 Clear Separates — 33 452 270 121 843 53:32:14 Clear Separates — 34 449 281 123 853 52:32:14 Clear Separates — 35 448 290 121 859 52:33:14 Clear Separates — K85- Total Particle EE Tween- Ricinoleic Vol. Pre- Size No. (mg) 20 (mg) Acid (mg) (mg) Ratio conc. Emulsion (nm) 36 402 298 98 798 50:37:12 Clear Milky 277 37 402 250 100 752 53:33:13 Clear Milky 268 38 400 200 100 700 57:28:14 Unclear — — 39 450 250 100 800 56:31:12 Clear Milky — 43 400 110 100 610 65:18:16 Clear Separates — 44 500 270 105 875 57:30:12 Clear Separates — 45 505 295 103 903 55:32:11 Clear Milky — 46 525 250 143 918 57:27:15 Clear Separates — 47 500 252 118 870 57:28:13 Clear Separates — 48 297 293 145 735 40:39:19 Clear Separates — 49 500 260 127 887 56:29:14 Clear Separates — 50 499 285 106 890 56:32:11 Clear Separates — 51 403 298 193 894 45:33:21 Clear Milky — 52 460 250 90 800 57:31:11 Clear — — K85- Tween- Ricinoleic Total Particle EE 40 acid Vol. Pre- Size No. (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg) Ratio conc. Emulsion (nm) 53 450 255 98 803 56:31:12 Clear Milky 237 55 498 220 98 816 61:26:12 Clear Milky 226 56 505 202 106 813 62:24:13 Clear Separates — 57 500 200 100 800 62:25:12 Clear Separates — 58 552 152 102 806 68:18:12 Clear Separates — K85- Tween- Ricinoleic Total Particle EE 60 Acid Vol. Pre- Size No. (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg) Ratio conc. Emulsion (nm) 70 500 200 100 800 62:25:12 Clear Milky — 71 500 150 100 750 66:20:13 Clear Separates — 72 529 180 104 813 65:22:12 Clear Separates — 73 518 200 102 820 63:24:12 Clear Separates — K85- Tween- Ricinoleic Total Particle EE 80 Acid Vol. Pre- Size No. (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg) Ratio conc. Emulsion (nm) 54 450 270 105 825 54:32:12 Clear Separates — K85- Cremophor Ricinoleic Total Particle EE EL Acid Vol. Pre- Size No. (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg) Ratio conc. Emulsion (nm) 40 399.9 300 106.4 806.3 49:37:13 Unclear — — 41 400 256.9 137 793.9 50:32:17 Unclear — — K85- Ricinoleic Total Particle EE Soritol Acid Vol. Pre- Size No. (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg) Ratio conc. Emulsion (nm) 42 400 211 104 715 55:29:14 Clear/ — — solid when cooled K85- PEG- Ricinoleic Total Particle EE 400 Acid Vol. Pre- Size No. (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg) Ratio conc. Emulsion (nm) 16 399.9 310.2 162.6 872.7 45:35:18 Clear Separates — 17 398.3 256.8 157.9 813 48:31:19 Clear Separates — 18 402.4 198.7 147.5 748.6 53:26:19 Clear Separates — K85- Tween- Total Particle EE 20 PEG-400 Vol. Pre- Size No. (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg) Ratio conc. Emulsion (nm) 19 398.2 297.9 214.7 910.8 43:32:23 Unclear — — 20 403 248.2 145.3 796.5 50:31:18 Unclear — — K85- α-Linoleic Total Particle EE Tween- Acid Vol. Pre- Size No. (mg) 20 (mg) (mg) (mg) Ratio conc. Emulsion (nm) 74 402 300 100 802 50:37:12 Clear Milky — 75 454 249 98 801 56:31:12 Slightly Separates — dense 76 502 204 103 809 62:25:12 Slightly Separates — dense K85- Tween- α-Linoleic Total Particle EE 40 Acid Vol. Pre- Size No. (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg) Ratio conc. Emulsion (nm) 77 403 299 108 810 49:36:13 Clear/ Separates — Precipitate 78 456 252 110 818 55:30:13 Clear/ Separates — Precipitate 79 503 217 103 823 61:26:12 Clear/ Separates — Precipitate K85- Tween- α-Linoleic Total Particle EE 60 Acid Vol. Pre- Size No. (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg) Ratio conc. Emulsion (nm) 80 402 313 104 819 49:38:12 Clear Separates — 81 459 205 100 764 60:26:13 Clear Separates — 82 498 198 106 802 62:24:13 Clear Separates — K85- Tween- α-Linoleic Total Particle EE 80 Acid Vol. Pre- Size No. (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg) Ratio conc. Emulsion (nm) 83 407 317 102 826 49:38:12 Clear Milky   261.3 84 455 256 110 821 55:31:13 Clear Milky   260.8 85 498 208 102 808 61:25:12 Clear Milky   274.5 K85- Tween- Erucuc Total Particle EE 20 Acid Vol. Pre- Size No. (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg) Ratio conc. Emulsion (nm) 86 401 300 99 800 50:37:12 Clear Semi — Milky 87 451 250 105 806 55:31:13 Clear Separates — 88 504 204 102 810 62:25:12 Clear Separates — K85- Tween- Erucuc Total Particle EE 40 Acid Vol. Pre- Size No. (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg) Ratio conc. Emulsion (nm) 89 401 298 102 801 50:37:12 Clear Separates — 90 451 254 99 804 56:31:12 Clear Separates — 91 504 219 103 826 61:26:12 Clear Separates — K85- Tween- Erucuc Total Particle EE 60 Acid Vol. Pre- Size No. (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg) Ratio conc. Emulsion (nm) 92 401 301 104 806 49:37:12 Clear Separates — 93 454 267 101 822 55:32:12 Clear Separates — 94 497 202 100 799 62:25:12 Clear Separates — K85- Tween- Erucuc Total Particle EE 60 Acid Vol. Pre- Size No. (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg) Ratio conc. Emulsion (nm) 95 406 298 100 804 50:37:12 Clear Separates — 96 450 251 102 803 56:31:12 Clear Separates — 97 502 205 122 829 60:24:14 Clear Separates — α- K85- Tween- Linolenic Total Particle EE 20 acid Vol. Pre- Size No. (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg) Ratio conc. Emulsion (nm) 98 401 308 105 814 49:37:12 Clear Milky, — beginning separation 102  450 264 108 822 54:32:13 Clear Milky, — beginning separation 106  501 200 111 812 61:24:13 Clear Milky, with — separation α- K85- Tween- Linolenic Total Particle EE 40 Acid Vol. Pre- Size No. (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg) Ratio conc. Emulsion (nm) 99 402 302 102 806 49:37:12 Clear Milky, — beginning separation 103  452 254 101 807 56:31:12 Clear Milky, with — separation 107  502 206 108 816 61:25:13 Clear Milky, with — separation α- K85- Tween- Linolenic Total Particle EE 60 Acid Vol. Pre- Size No. (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg) Ratio conc. Emulsion (nm) 100  403 303 103 809 49:37:12 Clear Milky, — beginning separation 104  450 249 102 801 56:31:12 Clear Milky, with — separation 108  506 200 100 806 62:24:12 Unclear Milky, — beginning separation α- K85- Tween- Linolenic Total Particle EE 80 Acid Vol. Pre- Size No. (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg) Ratio conc. Emulsion (nm) 101  403 308 106 817 49:37:12 Clear Milky, — beginning separation 105  452 253 102 807 56:31:12 Clear Milky, with — separation 109  507 203 112 822 61:24:13 Clear Milky, with — separation K85- Tween- Total Particle EE 20 KE85-FA Vol. Pre- Size No. (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg) Ratio conc. Emulsion (nm) 110  398.5 300.5 98.6 797.6 49:37:12 Clear Milky (<10 min waiting time) 111  448 245.9 110.4 804.3 55:30:13 Unclear — — 112  498.3 197.9 106.2 802.4 62:24:13 Unclear — — K85- Tween- Total Particle EE 40 KE85-FA Vol. Pre- Size No. (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg) Ratio conc. Emulsion (nm) 113  405.7 303.7 105.8 815.2 49:37:12 Clear Milky — (<10 min waiting time) 114  452.8 261.6 101.8 816.2 55:32:12 Clear Milky — (<10 min waiting time) 115  499 212.2 114.7 825.9 60:25:13 Clear Milky — (<10 min waiting time) K85- Tween- Total Particle EE 60 KE85-FA Vol. Pre- Size No. (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg) Ratio conc. Emulsion (nm) 116  395 296.2 100 791.2 49:37:12 Clear Milky — (<10 min waiting time) 117  450.3 253.1 98.2 801.6 56:31:12 Clear Milky — (<10 min waiting time) 118  500.8 206 105.7 812.5 61:25:13 Clear Milky — (<10 min waiting time) K85- Tween- Total Particle EE 80 KE85-FA Vol. Pre- Size No. (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg) Ratio conc. Emulsion (nm) 119  402 308.3 100.8 811.1 49:38:12 Clear Milky, — sticky (<10 min waiting time) 120  456.6 260.3 103.5 820.4 55:31:12 Clear Milky, — sticky (<10 min waiting time) 121  502.3 202.2 104 808.5 62:25:12 Clear Milky, — sticky (<10 min waiting time)

Of the preconcentrates prepared, formulation number 85 facilitated a load of 60% K85EE into the preconcentrate and gave a stable emulsion in gastric media with a particle size determined to be about 275 nm. Attempts to prepare preconcentrates with saturated fatty acids, stearic acid and decanoic acid failed. Although homogenous preconcentrates could be obtained by heating, a precipitation of stearic acid or decanoic acid was observed upon cooling of the preconcentrate to room temperature.

Example 2 Additional Preconcentrates

Additional preconcentrates were prepared to determine an optimized amount of surfactant with K85EE and K85FA. The preconcentrates described in Table 10 were prepared as provided in Example 1. The preconcentrates were visually inspected after mixing and again after being stored for 24 hours at room temperature. Under the Preconcentrate heading, a “clear” designation represents a transparent homogenous mixture; a “turbid” designation represents a nonhomogenous mixture, where some turbidity can be observed by visual inspection. The degree of turbidity was not determined.

TABLE 10 Additional Preconcentrates. K85-EE K85FA (mg) (mg) Preconcentrate Tween20 (mg) 107 307 62 Turbid 107 307 76 Turbid 107 307 102 Turbid 107 307 200 Clear 107 307 401 Clear 107 307 803 Clear 107 307 1608 Clear 26 300 99 Clear 104 300 99 Clear 201 300 99 Clear 316 300 99 Clear 400 300 99 Clear 497 300 99 Turbid 618 300 99 Turbid 405 42 101 Clear 405 99 101 Clear 405 202 101 Clear 405 299 101 Clear 405 400 101 Clear 405 618 101 Clear 405 1000 101 Clear Tween80 (mg) 407 306 57 Clear 407 306 80 Clear 407 306 103 Clear 407 306 202 Clear 407 306 401 Clear 28 299 101 Clear 57 299 101 Clear 99 299 101 Clear 233 299 101 Clear 316 299 101 Clear 414 299 101 Clear 510 299 101 Clear 569 299 101 Clear 627 299 101 Clear 688 299 101 Clear 769 299 101 Clear 402 32 106 Clear 402 126 106 Clear 402 229 106 Clear 402 326 106 Clear 402 410 106 Clear 402 997 106 Clear Tween40 (mg) 111 311 59 Turbid 111 311 70 Clear 111 311 95 Clear 111 311 135 Clear 111 311 244 Clear 111 311 798 Clear 111 311 1567 Clear 30 309 98 Clear 110 309 98 Clear 208 309 98 Clear 322 309 98 Clear 404 309 98 Clear 501 309 98 Turbid 618 309 98 Turbid 408 38 99 Clear 408 105 99 Clear 408 210 99 Clear 408 301 99 Clear 408 398 99 Clear 408 616 99 Clear 408 1001 99 Clear

Example 3 Compatibility of Preconcentrates with Solvents

The compatibility of solvents and a preconcentrate having a fixed amount of K85EE and Tween-80 were evaluated. The preconcentrates described in Table 11 were prepared as provided in Example 1, but with the addition of the solvent identified below. The preconcentrates were visually inspected after mixing and again after being stored for 24 hours at room temperature. Under the Preconcentrate heading, a “clear” designation represents a transparent homogenous mixture; a “turbid” designation represents a non-homogenous mixture, where some turbidity can be observed by visual inspection. The degree of turbidity was not determined.

TABLE 11 Compatibility of Solvent and Preconcentrates. K85-EE Tween-80 96% ethanol 96% ethanol (mg) (mg) (mg) (%) Preconcentrate 400 110 10.7 2.1 Turbid 400 110 18.7 3.5 Turbid 400 110 28.4 5.3 Turbid 400 110 32.1 5.9 Turbid 400 110 45.7 8.2 Turbid 400 110 53.5 9.5 Turbid 400 110 61.5 10.8 Turbid 400 110 69.8 12.0 Turbid 400 110 79.9 13.5 Turbid 400 110 91.3 15.2 Turbid 400 110 102.5 16.7 Turbid Propylene K85-EE Tween-80 Propylene glycol glycol (mg) (mg) (mg) (%) Preconcentrate 400 110 11.1 2.1 Turbid 400 110 16.7 3.2 Turbid 400 110 23.1 4.3 Turbid 400 110 32.9 6.1 Turbid 400 110 41.5 7.5 Turbid 400 110 48.6 8.7 Turbid 400 110 59.9 10.5 Turbid 400 110 72.9 12.5 Turbid 400 110 81.5 13.8 Turbid 400 110 93.5 15.5 Turbid 400 110 104.6 17.0 Turbid K85-EE Tween-80 PEG 300 PEG 300 (mg) (mg) (mg) (%) Preconcentrate 400 110 13.9 2.7 Turbid 400 110 23.7 4.4 Turbid 400 110 35.6 6.5 Turbid 400 110 47.1 8.5 Turbid 400 110 55.0 9.7 Turbid 400 110 68.7 11.9 Turbid 400 110 81.8 13.8 Turbid 400 110 90.3 15.0 Turbid 400 110 104.0 16.9 Turbid K85-EE Tween-80 Benzyl alcohol Benzyl alcohol (mg) (mg) (mg) (%) Preconcentrate 400 110 0 0 Clear 400 110 11.4 2.2 Turbid 400 110 18.1 3.4 Turbid 400 110 30.9 5.7 Clear 400 110 45.5 8.2 Clear 400 110 55.6 9.8 Clear 400 110 66.7 11.6 Clear 400 110 77.4 13.2 Clear 400 110 92.1 15.3 Clear 400 110 99.0 16.3 Clear K85-EE Tween-80 Triacetin Triacetin (mg) (mg) (mg) (%) Preconcentrate 400 110 12.3 2.4 Turbid 400 110 24.3 4.5 Turbid 400 110 35.8 6.6 Turbid 400 110 45.3 8.2 Turbid 400 110 57.0 10.1 Turbid 400 110 68.1 11.8 Turbid 400 110 80.9 13.7 Turbid 400 110 90.0 15.0 Turbid 400 110 101.7 16.6 Turbid 1-octadecanol 1-octadecanol K85-EE Tween-80 99% 99% (mg) (mg) (mg) (%) Preconcentrate 400 110 8.6 1.7 Precipitate oleyl alcohol K85-EE Tween-80 oleyl alcohol 85% 85% (mg) (mg) (mg) (%) Preconcentrate 400 100 13.0 2.5 Turbid 400 100 26.5 4.9 Turbid 400 100 37.3 6.8 Turbid 400 100 49.5 8.8 Turbid 400 100 62.6 10.9 Turbid 400 100 77.7 13.2 Turbid 400 100 92.2 15.3 Turbid 400 100 105.7 17.2 Turbid 1-tetradecanol 1 tetradecanol K85-EE Tween-80 97% 97% (mg) (mg) (mg) (%) Preconcentrate 400 100 1.7 0.3 Turbid 400 100 10.3 2.0 Turbid 400 100 22.7 4.3 Turbid 400 100 35.8 6.6 Precipitate K85-EE Tween-80 glycerol glycerol (mg) (mg) (mg) (%) Preconcentrate 400 100 17.7 3.4 Turbid 400 100 28.0 5.2 Turbid 400 100 41.7 7.6 Turbid 400 100 52.8 9.4 Turbid 400 100 71.2 12.3 Turbid 400 100 85.4 14.3 Turbid 400 100 92.3 15.3 Turbid 400 100 105.7 17.2 Turbid K85-EE Tween-80 Oleic acid 90% Oleic acid 90% (mg) (mg) (mg) (%) Preconcentrate 400 100 13.2 2.5 Turbid 400 100 23.9 4.5 Turbid 400 100 31.5 5.8 Turbid 400 100 41.4 7.5 Turbid 400 100 51.8 9.2 Turbid 400 100 65.2 11.3 Clear 400 100 79.8 13.5 Clear 400 100 87.2 14.6 Clear 400 100 102.2 16.7 Clear 1-docosanol K85-EE Tween-80 1-docosanol 98% 98% (mg) (mg) (mg) (%) Preconcentrate 400 100 9.6 1.8 Precipitate

Example 4 Characterization of Preconcentrates and SNEDDS/SMEDDS/SEDDS

Preconcentrates A-L described in Table 12 were prepared as provided in Example 1.

TABLE 12 Preconcentrates A-L. Precon- K85-EE Surfactant Total vol. centrate (mg) (mg) FFA (mg) (mg) Ratio A 5002.7 Tween-20 Oleic Acid 10016.4 49:36:13 3705.8 1307.9 B 5004.9 Tween-80 Oleic Acid 10015.1 49:37:13 3707.9 1302.3 C 5003.2 Tween-20 Ricioleic acid 10013.4 49:36:13 3702.1 1308.1 D 5003.5 Tween-80 Ricioleic acid 10010 49:36:13 3703.1 1303.4 E 5000.4 Tween-20 Linoleic acid 10013.1 49:37:13 3707.4 1305.3 F 5001 Tween-80 Linoleic acid 10011.3 49:37:13 3706 1304.3 G 5006.4 Tween-20 Erucic acid 10008.7 50:36:12 3702.1 1300.2 H 5004.3 Tween-80 Erucic acid 10011.6 49:36:13 3704.1 1303.2 I 5002.9 Tween-20 α-Linolenic 10013.1 49:36:13 3700.8 acid 1309.4 J 5003.6 Tween-80 α-Linolenic 10017.3 49:36:13 3701.6 acid 1312.1 K 5002.9 Tween-20 “Pure” EPA- 10013.1 49:36:13 3700.8 FA + DHA-FA in a ratio close to K85-EE 1309.4 L 5002.9 Tween-80 “Pure” EPA- 10013.1 49:36:13 3700.8 FA + DHA-FA in a ratio close to K85-EE 1309.4

From Table 12 above, all preconcentrates appeared clear and homogenous, except for the formulation with erucic acid. As such, the preconcentrates can be mixed in any proportion and these mixtures will still form homogenous and clear preconcentrates.

Preconcentrates A-L were also screened for compatibility with various solvents. The outcome of this screening is shown in Table 13 below. To 500 mg of preconcentrate, approximately 50 mg of each solvent was added. Preconcentrate A was used for all the solvents. Ethanol was tested in all the preconcentrates. The preconcentrates were visually inspected after mixing and again after being stored for 24 hours at room temperature. Under the Preconcentrate heading, a “clear” designation represents a transparent homogenous mixture; an “unclear” designation represents a nonhomogenous mixture, where some turbidity can be observed by visual inspection. The degree of turbidity was not determined.

TABLE 13 Preconcentrate Compatibility. Preconcentrate Solvent Preconcentrate A B-L 96% Ethanol Clear Clear Benzyl alcohol Clear Nd Propylene glycol Unclear Nd Triacetin Clear Nd PEG 300 Unclear Nd Glycerol Unclear Nd 1-octadecanol 99% Clear, but solid Nd 1-docosanol 98% Unclear Nd Oleyl alcohol 85% Clear Nd 1-tetradecanol 97% Clear Nd Nd—Not determined.

Viscosity can be used as a physical characterization parameter. Viscosity measurements were taken for preconcentrates A-L in triplicate. Generally, the viscosity showed greater sensitivity for the type of fatty acid than for the type of surfactant. FIG. 1 graphically illustrates the viscosity of preconcentrates A-L. Although the viscosity measurements cannot distinguish between Tween 20 versus Tween 80, the viscosity can be impacted by the free fatty acid.

Preconcentrates A-F, I and J were diluted in gastric and intestinal media to form an emulsion (i.e., SNEDDS/SMEDDS/SEDDS). The composition of the gastric media is shown in Table 14, and the composition of the intestinal media is shown in Table 15.

TABLE 14 Gastric Media Gastric Media Bile salts, Porcine (mM) 0.08 Lechitin (mM) 0.02 Sodium chloride (mM) 34.2 Pepsin (mg/ml) 0.1 pH 1.6 (adjust with 1M HCl) Osmolarity (mOsm/kg) 120

TABLE 15 Intestinal Media Intestinal Media Bile salts, Porcine Bile extract, Sigma 5 037K0196 (mM) Phospholipids, LIPOID S PC from 1.25 LIPOID AG (mM) Trizma maleate, Sigma Aldrich, T 3128 2 (mM) Na⁺ (mM) 150

Particle size was measured using a Malvern Zetasizer (Malvern Instrument, Worcestershire, UK) with particle size measuring range of 0.5-6000 nm and Zeta potential of particle range of 3 nm-10 μm. The particle size was measured in triplicate.

For the gastric media, the emulsions were prepared by adding 1 ml of gastric media to 50 mg of the preconcentrate. Table 16 below provides the particle size measurements for preconcentrates A-F, I and J in the gastric media. The particle size measurements in gastric media are also graphically illustrated in FIG. 2.

TABLE 16 Particle size measurements for preconcentrates A-F, I and J in gastric media. Preconcentrates A B C D E F I J Size (nm) 269.6 152.1 216.8 271 271.1 287.1 165 244.3 Standard 29.63 5.141 26.24 15.94 6.208 36.71 15.87 13.67 Deviation

For the intestinal media, the emulsions were prepared by adding the gastric media (100 μl) obtained above to intestinal media (900 μl). Table 17 below provides the particle size measurements for preconcentrates A-F, I and J in the intestinal media. The particle size measurements in intestinal media are also graphically illustrated in FIG. 2.

TABLE 17 Particle size measurements for preconcentrates A-F, I and J in intestinal media. Preconcentrates A B C D E F I J Size (nm) 245.9 2314 266.7 332.5 233.9 1891 224.3 1788 Standard Deviation 7.465 2438 35.38 26.63 10.48 1936 13.56 930.5

As shown in FIG. 2, intestinal media has a larger impact on the particle size distribution and particularly, preconcentrates comprising Tween 80. That observation has been visualized in FIGS. 3-18. FIGS. 3-18 show the read out from the Malvern zetasizer for four consecutive measurements on the same sample of each respective preconcentrate. All the preconcentrates give near to unimodal particle size distributions in gastric media, whereas only preconcentrates comprising Tween 20 stays unimodal when transferred to intestinal media.

Example 5 Lipolysis and Solubilization

Studies were done to analyze the rate of lipolysis (i.e., hydrolysis) and solubilization for different preconcentrates comprising K85EE and different free fatty acids and surfactants. Specifically, four experiments were designed to determine how the amount of surfactant influences the rate and extent of lipolysis and solubilization. The lipolysis was conducted on SMEDDS formulations comprising K85EE.

Materials

-   -   Bile salts: Porcine Bile extract (Sigma); contains glycine and         taurine conjugates of hyodeoxycholic acid and other bile salts.     -   Pancreatic lipase, Porcine pancreas (Sigma); contains many         enzymes, including amylase, trypsin, lipase, ribonuclease and         protease.     -   Lechitin: Phospholipids (LIPOID S PC from LIPOID AG)     -   Trizma maleate (Sigma Aldrich)     -   Tween 20, Molecular Biology Grade (AppliChem Darmstadt), Tween         80 (Fluka)     -   α-Linoleic acid (Sigma 60%), Oleic acid (Aldrich 90%)     -   K85-EE and K85-FA

Preconcentrates A-E were prepared as summarized in Table 18.

TABLE 18 Preconcentrates A-E. Fatty acid oil Preconcentrate mixture Free fatty acid Surfactant A K85EE (400 mg) oleic acid Tween 20 (300 mg) (100 mg) B K85EE (400 mg) oleic acid Tween 20 (75 mg) (100 mg) C K85EE (500 mg) linoleic acid Tween 80 (200 mg) (100 mg) D K85EE (400 mg) K85FA Tween 20 (300 mg) (100 mg) E K85EE (400 mg) — Tween 80 (100 mg)

Lipolysis General Procedure

The in vitro dynamic lipolysis model developed by Zangenberg et al. (Zangenberg, N. H. et al., Eur. J. Pharm. Sci. 14, 237-244, 2001; Zangenberg, N. H., et al., Eur. J. Pharm. Sci. 14, 115-122, 2001) was used with slight modifications. The lipolysis was conducted in a thermostated 600 ml jacketed glass vessel in the presence of porcine bile extract, with continuous addition calcium chloride. The lipase source was porcine pancreatin and the hydrolysis was followed by titration with sodium hydroxide solution (1.0 N) using a pH stat (pH 6.5). The initial composition of the lipolysis media is shown in Table 19.

TABLE 19 Initial composition of lipolysis media. Substance Initial Concentration Pancreatic lipase, Porcine pancreas 800 USP units/ml Bile salts, Porcine Bile extract 5 mM Phospholipids, LIPOID S PC from LIPOID AG 1.25 mM Trizma maleate 2 mM Na⁺ 150 mM K85-EE 5.58 mg/ml

The final volume in all experiments was 300 ml and the calcium dispensing rate during the experiments was 0.045 mmol/min (0.09 ml/min). In all experiments, the amount of K85-EE added corresponds to 5.58 mg/ml.

To determine the course of K85-EE lipolysis by HPLC, crude samples were withdrawn and acidified with dilute hydrochloric acid. The concentrations of EPA-EE, DHA-EE, EPA-FA and DHA-FA were determined by HPLC in triplicate. Experiments were performed with LC Agilent Technologies 1200 series at a column temperature of 30° C., mobile phase (A) water (0.1% acetic acid) and (B) MeCN (0.1% acetic acid), with gradient: 0 to 8 minutes, from 70% B to 100% B; 8 to 15 minutes, 100% B; 16 to 16 minutes: from 100% B to 70% B, 16 to 20 minutes: 70% B. The flow rate was 0.5 ml/min, UV @ 210 nM, injection volume: 5 μl, and run time: 20 minutes.

Concentrations of EPA ethyl ester (EPA-EE), DHA ethyl ester (DHA-EE), EPA free acid (EPA-FA), and DHA free acid (DHA-FA) were monitored over time and the rate of lipolysis calculated as shown in Table 20 for comparison with Omacor®.

TABLE 20 Lipolysis of EPA and DHA ethyl ester in comparison to Omacor ®. EPA-EE lipolysis DHA-EE lipolysis % lipolysis (μg/ml/min) (μg/ml/min) K85EE at t = 233 min Omacor ® 1.5 2.3 17 A 2.8 4.5 41 B 2.9 3.9 35 C 3.7 5.0 47 D 3.5 5.0 55 E 3.8 4.3 45

FIGS. 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, and 34 graphically illustrate the disappearance of EPA-EE and DHA-EE and the appearance of EPA-FA and DHA-FA during lipolysis of each respective sample examined. Sample points from 2 minutes to 233 minutes were included in the graphs. In addition, linear regression lines have been included.

FIGS. 20, 23, 26, 29, 32, and 35 provide the percent recovery of EPA+DHA at different time-points for each respective sample examined. Data are given as the sum of EPA-EE, DHA-EE, EPA-FA, and DHA-FA and given as a percentage of theoretical amount 5580 μg/ml.

FIGS. 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, and 36 graphically illustrate the percent lipolysis at different time points for EPA-EE, DHA-EE and total K85EE. Values are calculated relative to the total amount of EPA-EE and DHA-EE determined by HPLC after lipolysis for 2 minutes.

Example 6 Fatty Acid Oil Mixtures of Pharmaceutical Compositions/Preconcentrates

Fatty acid oil mixtures of pharmaceutical compositions or preconcentrates, wherein the fatty acid oil mixture is a K85-EE composition are presented in Table 21.

TABLE 21 Fatty acid oil mixture for pharmaceutical compositions/preconcentrates Fatty acid oil mixture: Maximum 1000 mg K85EE fatty acid oil mixture Minimum Value Value EPAEE + DHAEE 800 mg/g 880 mg/g EPA EE 430 mg/g 495 mg/g DHA EE 347 mg/g 403 mg/g Total omega-3 EE >90% (w/w) EE = ethyl ester

Example 7 Tablet Formulations

Tablets were prepared by immersing the tablet shown in Table 22 in K85EE oil. The mean liquid loading was 160 mg oil/tablet, corresponding to about 72 v/v %. The tablet can also be prepared without a superdisintegrant.

TABLE 22 Tablet formulation Tablet composition Example Neusilin US 89% Ac-Di-Sol (croscarmellose sodium) = 10% superdisintegrants Mg-stearate 1.0% 

Example 8 Novel K85 Tablet Formulation

A tablet formulation is prepared with the components identified in Table 23 by immersing a tablet in a K85EE or AGP oil and an oil in free acid form.

TABLE 23 K85 tablet formulation K85 or AGP oil loading per tablet Minimum Maximum value EPA EE and DHA EE 125 mg 600 mg Free fatty acid oil 2% corresponding 15% corresponding to to about 2.5 mg about 90 mg

Example 9 Preparation of SEDDS and SMEDDS

The preconcentrate can be prepared by mixing a fatty acid oil mixture together with at least one surfactant and a free fatty acid.

The preconcentrate can be visually inspected after mixing and again after being stored at 24 hours at room temperature and clear and transparent preconcentrate can be obtained.

To the preconcentrate can then an aqueous medium be added to form an oil-in-water emulsion. The dispersion rate for the formation of the oil-in-water emulsion can be very fast, less than one minute.

The microemulsions formed can then be tested regarding hydrolysis, also called lipolysis.

For example, to determine the course of KE85-EE hydrolysis by HPLC, crude samples can be withdrawn and acidified with dilute hydrochloric acid. The concentrations of EPA-ethyl ester, DHA ethyl ester, EPA-free fatty acid and DHA-free fatty acid can then determined by HPLC.

All samples withdrawn from a non-homogenous phase and some variability in recovery can be expected, especially at early time points.

TABLE 24 Initial concentrations of components in the hydrolysis medium. Substance Initial concentration Pancreatic lipase, Porcine pancreas, Sigma 800 USP units/ml 095K1149 Bile salts, Porcine Bile extract, Sigma 5 mM 037K0196 Phospholipids, LIPOID S PC from LIPOID AG 1.25 mM Trizma maleate, Sigma Aldrich, T 3128 2 mM Na⁺ 150 mM KE85-EE 5.58 mg/ml

An example HPLC analytical method can include the following parameters:

Use of a LC-MS manufactured by Agilent Technologies and includes a 1200 Series LC and a 6140 Quadropole MS running ChemStation 8.04.01 software;

Column: EclipseXDB C18, 2.1×150 mm, 5 μm, Agilent

Column temperature: 25° C.;

Mobile Phase: A: water (0.1% acetic acid), B: MeCN (0.1% acetic acid);

Gradient: 0 to 8 min, from 70% B to 100% B, 8 to 15 minutes: 100% B, from 16 to 16 minutes: from 100% B to 70% B, 16 to 20 minutes: 70% B;

Flow rate: 0.5 ml/min;

UV @ 210 nM;

Injection volume: 25 μl; and

Run time: 20 minutes.

The oil-in-water emulsions can then be further analyzed to determine the particle size of the oil droplets. The particle size can be determined with Malvern Zetasizer (Malvern Instrument, Worcestershire, UK) having particle size measuring range of 0.6-6000 nm and Zeta of particle range of 3 nm-10 μm.

Table 25 shows the components that can be included in pharmaceutical compositions and food supplement compositions according to the present disclosure.

TABLE 25 Sample compositions according to the present disclosure. Food Supplement Pharmaceutical composition composition Fatty Acid Oil K85EE, K85TG or AGP103 Commercial up- Mixture drug substance concentrated oil mixture in EE and/or TG form Surfactant Tween ® 20 or Tween ® 40 Tween ® 20 or Tween ® 40 Free Fatty Acid (EPA-FA and DHA-FA), (EPA-FA + DHA-FA), EPA-FA or DHA-FA EPA-FA or DHA-FA Total Oil Mixture 100% by weight 100% by weight 100% by weight

Further for example, K85EE omega-3 fatty acid oil and the free fatty acid chosen from K85FA having a EPA:DHA-FA ratio more or less equal to the EPA:DHA-EE ratio in K85EE are exemplified in Table 26.

TABLE 26 Additional compositions according to the present disclosure. Total oil mixture Free Fatty Free Fatty content [oil:co- Fatty Acid Free Acid: Acid: surfactant ratio] in Oil Fatty EPA-FA or EPA and Total oil SMEDDS/SEDDS Mixture: Acid: DHA- DHA mixture mixture Formulations K85EE K85-FA FA in FA form (by weight) 1.) 80-95% 5-20 w % 100 w % 2.) 70-80% 20-30% 100 w % 3.) 50-70% 30-50% 100 w % 4.) 50-60% 40-50% 100 w % 5.) 60-70% 30-40% 100 w % 6.) 70-80% 20-30% 100 w % 7.) 80-95%  5-20% 100 w % 8.) >80% <20% 100 w % 9.) 70-80% 20-30% 100 w % 10.) 60-70% 30-40% 100 w % 11.) 50-60% 40-50% 100 w % 12.) 85-95%  5-15% 100 w % EPA > DHA 13.) 80-90% 10-20% 100 w % EPA > DHA 14.) 70-80% 20-30% 100 w % EPA > DHA 15.) 60-70% 30-40% 100 w % EPA > DHA

Additionally, the total oil mixtures presented above can be mixed with the surfactant Tween®20.

Further for example, the K85EE mixed fatty acid composition comprises at least 90% omega-3 ethyl ester fatty acids, and wherein the mixed fatty acid composition comprises from about 80% to about 88% eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester and docosahexaenoic acid ethyl ester, by weight of the fatty acid composition.

A collection of ratios between [oil]:[surfactant]:[free fatty acid] (a):b):c)) are illustrated in Table 27. For example, a K85EE or AGP103 oil is used together with a surfactant and a co-surfactant in the [K85EE]:[surfactant]:[free fatty acid] ranges from about 4:2:0.5 to 4:4:2. Thus, the range for the surfactant may be from 2 to 4 and the free fatty acid from 0.5 to 2.

It is also included herein that the K85EE oil mixture presented in Table 27 above can be replaced by a K85TG oil mixture as well as a commercial omega-3 oil concentrate in ethyl ester and/or triglyceride form.

TABLE 27 SMEDDS formulations with Tween20, K85EE, EPA-FA or DHA-FA. EPA- 200 mg K85EE Tween20 FA DHA-FA ~K85FA preconcentrate (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg) in 10 ml water A 400 400 100 emulsion B 400 400 100 emulsion C 400 300 100 emulsion D 400 300 100 emulsion

Example 10 Pharmaceutical Preconcentrate Composition

A pharmaceutical preconcentrate composition was prepared by mixing the following components:

as the fatty acid oil mixture: K85-EE; in an amount of 10.80 g;

as the surfactant: Tween-20 (Molecular Biology Grade, AppliChem Darmstadt, A4974,0250 lot 5N004174) in an amount of 7.44 g;

as the at least one fatty acid: EPA-FA in an amount of 1.53 g; and DHA-FA in an amount of 1.24 g.

With mixing, a transparent homogenous solution was obtained. The density of the formulation was determined to be 1.02 g/ml. The composition was then filled in vials (vial seize=4 ml) each comprising 1.25×1670 mg=2087 mg were prepared, flushed with nitrogen and sealed with parafilm.

Example 11 In Vivo Studies in Mini-Pig

Two different formulations were prepared and sent for in-vivo testing. Formulation 1 was prepared according to Example 10 by mixing the following components: K85EE, Tween20 EPA-FA and DHA-FA in the specified amounts, and Formulation 2 was OMACOR gelatine capsules.

The study was performed in 8 male Göttingen SPF minipigs from Ellegaard Göttingen Minipigs ApS. The animals were housed individually in floor pens (1.2 m²) with sawdust (“Jeluxyl” from Jelu Werk GmbH, Josef Ehrler GmbH & Co KG, Ludwigsmühle, D-73494 Rosenberg, Germany) as bedding.

Treatment was performed in a cross-over design. The dose was 2 g per animal. The first day of treatment is designated Day 1. Treatment was performed with a wash out period of at least 10 days between each dosing. Blood samples (n=8) were taken post-dosing. Plasma samples were analysed within 2 weeks for total lipid content of EPA and DHA by a validated LC-MS/MS method. The result presented in FIG. 37 shows the plasma concentration versus time profile of the total lipid concentration of EPA, supporting supra-bioavailability (e.g., great than 40%) for the K85 SMEDDS formulation. A similar results has also been shown for the time profile of total lipid concentration of DHA (not shown in FIG. 37).

Example 12 Pharmaceutical Formulations, SMEDDs, and SEDDs

Table 28 illustrates pharmaceutical formulations, SMEDDs, and SEDDs that can be prepared.

TABLE 28 Pharmaceutical Formulations, SMEDDs, SEDDs Second fatty acid K85FA fatty mixture is a fish oil Reference acid oil Surfactant or ethyl ester No. mixture Surfactant System concentrate 64 X Tween ® 20 X about 40% about 40% about 20% 65 X Tween ® 20 Oleic acid EE 40% 40% 20%

In an embodiment, the surfactant is chosen from among Tween® surfactants, such as 20, 40, 60, 80, and 85. For example, a composition according to the disclosure can include at least one surfactant chosen from Tween® 20 and 40.

Example 13 Emulsion/Microemulsion Preconcentrate Formulations

The following emulsion/microemulsions preconcentrate formulations according to the disclosure were prepared.

Pharmaceutical Formulation 1: A SEDDS Composition

A pharmaceutical composition was prepared by mixing the following components: Fatty acid oil mixture a) EPA-FA in an amount of 5.5 g and DHA-FA in an amount of 4.5 g (achieving approximately the EPA:DHA ratio in a K85EE or FA fatty acid mixture); b) a second fatty acid mixture in EE form: ethyl oleate: Fluka 75100, 137044 50308P14 in an amount of 5.0 g; and as the surfactant c): Tween® 20, Molecular Biology Grade, AppliChem Darmstadt, A4974,0250 lot 5N004174 in an amount of 10.0 g.

A transparent homogenous solution was obtained. The density of the formulation was determined to be 1.03 g/ml. The composition was then filled into vials (vial size=4 ml) each comprising (2450 mg×1.25)=3063 mg were prepared, flushed with nitrogen and sealed with parafilm.

Pharmaceutical Formulation 2

The same formulation as illustrated above was made with Tween® 80, instead of Tween® 20. Thus, mixed fatty acids; EPA-FA (110 mg)+DHA-FA (90 mg), ethyl oleate (100 mg) and Tween 80 (200 mg). A transparent homogenous solution was obtained.

Example 14 Emulsions in Pure Water

The oil content in one capsule Omacor®, comprising EPA ethyl ester (465 mg), DHA ethyl ester (375 mg) and alpha-tocopherol (4 mg) were mixed in a scintillation vial with various surfactants as shown in Table 29. Water (10 ml) was added at 37 degrees centigrade and the mixture was shaken for 15 seconds using a Vortex mixer. The mixture was observed after 1 minute and after 5 minutes. The visual score for emulsion homogeneity was scored as follows: No emulsion=score 0, emulsion but not homogeneous emulsion=score 1, homogenous emulsion=score 2.

The mixture was after mixing also rolled in a roller mixer for 5 minutes. The visual score for this roller test was the same.

TABLE 29 Emulsions in pure water. Score Score After Refer- Amount of After Vortex Score ence Surfactant Vortex for 5 Roller No. Surfactant(s) (mg) 1 minute minutes Mixer 1 None 0 0 0 0 2 Brij ® 30 100 2 2 2 3 Brij ® 35 100 2 1 2 4 Brij ® 52 100 2 2 2 5 Brij ® 58 100 2 1 2 6 Brij ® 72 100 2 1 2 7 Brij ® 78 100 2 1 2 8 Brij ® 92V 100 2 2 2 9 Brij ® 93 100 2 2 2 10 Brij ® 96V 100 2 2 2 11 Brij ® 97 100 2 2 2 12 Brij ® 98 100 2 1 2 13 Brij ® 700 100 1 1 2 14 Brij ® S-10 100 1 1 2 15 Pluronic ® L-31 100 1 1 2 16 Pluronic ® L-35 100 1 1 2 17 Pluronic ® L-81 100 2 2 2 18 Pluronic ® L-64 100 2 2 2 19 Pluronic ® L-121 100 2 2 2 20 Pluronic ® P-123 100 1 1 2 21 Pluronic ® F-68 100 0 0 1 22 Pluronic ® F-108 100 0 0 1 23 Span ® 20 100 2 2 2 24 Span ® 60 100 0 0 1 25 Span ® 65 100 0 0 0 26 Span ® 80 100 1 1 2 27 Span ® 85 100 0 0 1 28 Tween ® 20 100 2 1 2 29 Tween ® 40 100 2 1 2 30 Tween ® 60 100 2 1 2 31 Tween ® 80 100 2 1 2 32 Alginic Acid 100 1 0 1 33 Alginic Acid 100 2 1 1 sodium salt 34 Macrogolglycerol- 100 2 2 2 hydroxystearas 40 35 Sodium lauryl 100 1 1 2 slphate 36 1,2-Dipalmitoyl- 100 0 0 0 sn-glycerol ethanolamine 37 1-Hexadecanol 100 1 0 0 38 1,2-Dipalmitoy-sn 100 2 1 1 39 Macrogol 400 100 0 0 1 40 Myristic acid 100 1 1 1 sodium salt 41 Brij ® 52/ 30/20 2 2 2 Macrogolglycerol- hydroxystearas 40 42 Brij ® 62/ 30/50 2 2 2 Pluronic ® L64 43 Span ® 40/90 2 2 2 20/Pluronic ® L64 44 Macrogol 400/ 120/60  2 2 2 Macrogol-glycerol- hydroxystearas 40 45 Tween ® 20/ 60/60 2 2 2 Span ® 20 46 Tween ® 20/ 90/90/60 2 2 2 Span ® 20/ Macrogol 400 47 Span ® 20/ 70/100/40 2 2 2 Tween ® 20/Brij ® 97 48 Alginic acid sodium 110/60  2 2 2 salt/Span ® 60 49 Pluronic ® F- 20/180/20 2 2 2 68/Pluronic ® L64/Span ® 60

Example 15 Emulsions in Artificial Gastric Juice

The oil content in one capsule OMACOR®, comprising EPA ethyl ester (465 mg), DHA ethyl ester (375 mg) and alpha-tocopherol (4 mg) were mixed in a scintillation vial with various surfactants as shown in Table 30. The experimental set up is the same as described in Example 14 except that that artificial gastric juice without pepsin (European Pharmacopeia 6.0, page 274) was used instead of water.

TABLE 30 Emulsions in artificial gastric juice Score Score After after Amount of Vortex Vortex Score Reference Surfactant for 1 for 5 Roller No. Surfactant(s) (mg) minute minutes Mixer 50 None 0 0 0 0 51 Brij ® 52 100 2 1 2 52 Brij ® 96V 100 2 1 2 53 Pluronic ® L64 100 2 2 2 54 Tween ® 40 100 2 2 2 55 Macrogolglycerol- 100 2 2 2 Hydroxysteraras 40

Example 16 Emulsions in Simulated Intestinal Fluid

The oil content in one capsule Omacor®, comprising EPA ethyl ester (465 mg), DHA ethyl ester (375 mg) and alpha-tocopherol (4 mg) were mixed in a scintillation vial with various surfactants as shown in Table 31. The experimental set up is the same as described in Example 14 except that simulated intestinal fluid pH 6.8 without pancreas powder (European Pharmacopeia 6.0, page 274) was used instead of water.

TABLE 31 Emulsions in simulated intestinal fluid. Score Score After after Amount of Vortex Vortex Score Reference Surfactant for 1 for 5 Roller No. Surfactant(s) (mg) minute minutes Mixer 56 None 0 0 0 0 57 Brij ® 52 100 2 2 2 58 Brij ® 96V 100 2 2 2 59 Pluronic ® L64 100 2 2 2 60 Tween ® 40 100 2 2 2 61 Macrogolglycerol- 100 2 2 2 Hydroxysteraras 40

Example 17 Microscopic Examination of Emulsions

Emulsions from Reference No. 52 (gastric juice) of Example 15 and Reference No. 58 (intestinal fluid) of Example 16 were examined under the microscope after 24 hours rolling. Both emulsions were found to be suspensions of oil in water with no tendency to aggregation.

Example 18 Pharmaceutical Formulations

Table 32 illustrates pharmaceutical formulations that can be prepared.

TABLE 32 Pharmaceutical Formulations K85EE or Reference AGP103 No. Oil Mixture Surfactant or Surfactant System 64 X Tween ® 20 65 X Tween ® 40 66 X Tween ® 80 67 X Tween ® 20 + Tween ® 40 68 X Tween ® + Cremphor ® 69 X Tween ® + Solutol HS 15

In an embodiment, the surfactant or combination of surfactants is chosen from Tween® surfactants; Tween® 20, Tween® 40, Tween® 60, Tween® 65, Tween® 80 and Tween® 85.

In another embodiment, the surfactant is chosen from a combination of a Tween® surfactants and a surfactant chosen from Cremphor®, for instance Tween® 20 and Cremphor EL. Moreover, in a further embodiment, a Tween® 20 and Solutol HS 15 surfactant can be used together as well as Tween® 20 and Tween® 40.

Fatty acid oil mixtures of pharmaceutical preconcentrates, wherein the fatty acid oil mixture is a K85EE or AGP-103 oil composition are presented in Table 33.

TABLE 33 Fatty acid oil mixture for pharmaceutical preconcentrates. Fatty acid oil mixture: Maximum 1000 mg K85EE fatty acid oil mixture Minimum Value Value EPAEE + DHAEE 800 mg/g 880 mg/g EPA EE 430 mg/g 495 mg/g DHA EE 347 mg/g 403 mg/g Total omega-3 EE >90% (w/w) EE = ethyl ester

Example 19 Additional Emulsions in Artificial Gastric Juice and Simulated Intestinal Fluid

Preconcentrates 1-23 were prepared with EPA/DHA ethyl ester (1000 mg K85EE) and various surfactants and surfactant mixtures as shown in Table 34. Emulsions were prepared in both gastric juice and simulated intestinal fluid as described in Examples 15 and 16. Results were the same for emulsions in artificial gastric juice and simulated intestinal fluid, and appear in Table 34.

TABLE 34 Emulsions in artificial gastric juice and simulated intestinal fluid. Score After Score Ref- Amount of Vortex After Score erence Surfactant for 1 Vortex 5 Roller No. Surfactant(s) (mg) minute minutes Mixer 1 Cremophor ® EL 20 2 1 2 2 Cremophor ® EL 80 2 1 2 3 Cremophor ® EL 100 2 1 2 4 Cremophor ® EL 150 2 2 2 5 Cremophor ® EL 200 2 2 2 6 Cremophor ® EL 250 2 2 2 7 Cremophor ® EL 300 2 2 2 8 Cremophor ® EL 400 2 2 2 9 Cremophor ® EL 500 2 2 2 10 Cremophor ® EL 600 2 2 2 11 Cremophor ® EL 700 2 2 2 12 Cremophor ® EL 800 2 2 2 13 Cremophor ® EL 900 2 2 2 14 Cremophor ® EL 1000 2 2 2 15 Cremophor ® EL 1200 2 2 2 16 Cremophor ® EL 150 2 2 1 Tween ® 60 100 17 Cremophor ® EL 40 2 2 2 Brij ® 30 20 Span ® 85 20 18 Cremophor ® EL 5 2 1 2 19 Cremophor ® EL 60 2 1 2 Tween ® 80 70 20 Macrogolglyceroli 60 2 1 2 Hydroxystearas 40 21 Macrogolglyceroli Hydroxystearas 40 90 2 1 2 Span ® 20 30 Polysorbate 20 50 22 Macrogolglyceroli Hydroxystearas 40 60 2 1 2 Brij ® 93 30 Polysorbate 20 60 23 Cremophor ® EL 60 2 2 2 Pluronic ® F68 30 Brij ® 92V 30 Polysorbate 20 20

Emulsions 4-15 prepared in both artificial gastric juice and simulated intestinal fluid were homogenous (milky) for several hours when standing. Emulsions 1-3 separated somewhat after preparation (i.e., after several hours of standing). Microscopy of Emulsions 1-15 showed that the average particle size was less than 100 micrometers. Homogenization treatment (UltraRurrax(IKA)) of Emulsion 4 for 20 seconds resulted in a substantial increase of formation of small particles (<10 microns).

Based on the preconcentrates prepared, a 0.5% non-ionic surfactant (e.g., Cremophor®) can emulsify EPA/DHA ethyl ester in both artificial gastric juice and simulated intestinal fluid. In addition, including more than one surfactant appears to stabilize the emulsion. Further, the particle size can vary depending upon the emulsification method.

Example 20 Gelatin Capsules Coated with Cellulose Acetate Phthalate

(A) Gelatin Capsules Comprising EPA Ethyl Ester and DHA Ethyl Ester Coated with Cellulose Acetate Phthalate

Preformed gelatin capsules comprising EPA ethyl ester and DHA ethyl ester (Omacor®, Pfizer, Norway) were coated by a solution of cellulose acetate phthalate (6%) and triethyl citrate (3%) in acetone. The capsules were dried for 24 hour at room temperature. The coating material (cellulose acetate phthalate plus triethyl citrate) on one capsule increased the capsule weight by 15 mg.

(B) Gelatin Capsules Comprising EPA ethyl, DHA Ethyl Ester and Brij® 96V Coated with Cellulose Acetate Phthalate

Preformed gelatin capsules comprising EPA ethyl ester (463 mg), DHA ethyl ester (375 mg), Brij® 96V (60 mg) and tocoferol (4 mg) were coated by a solution of cellulose acetate phthalate (6%) and triethyl citrate (3%) in acetone. The capsules were dried for 24 hour at room temperature.

Example 21 Gelatin Capsules Coated with Eudragit® RS30D

(A) Gelatin Capsules Comprising EPA Ethyl Ester and DHA Ethyl Ester Coated with Eudragit® RS30D

Preformed gelatin capsules comprising EPA ethyl ester and DHA ethyl ester (Omacor®, Pfizer, Norway) were coated by an aqueous solution of Euragit® RS30D from Degussa, Germany. The capsules were dried for 24 hour at room temperature.

(B) Gelatin Capsules Comprising EPA Ethyl Ester, DHA Ethyl Ester and Brij® 96V Coated with Eudradit® RS30D

Preformed gelatin capsules comprising EPA ethyl ester (463 mg), DHA ethyl ester (375 mg), Brij® 96V (60 mg) and tocopherol (4 mg) were coated by an aqueous solution of Euragit® RS30D from Degussa, Germany. The capsules were dried for 24 hour at room temperature.

Example 22 Enteric Coated Tablets

Coated tablets were prepared and administered to a animal model (mini-pig) to measure EPA and DHA blood serum levels over time.

Two tablets were pre-treated as follows:

Tablet 31: 20% PEG, 10% Ac-Di-Sol (disintegrant)

Tablet 32: 20% PEG, 0.5 M KH₂PO₄, 10% Ac-Di-Sol (disintegrant)

Pre-treatments were performed in a fluid-bed where the solutions were sprayed on Neusilin granules followed by heating and/or compressing the granules and incubation in Nitrogen over night before loading with K85EE oil.

Tablets were coated with an inner layer of an aqueous PVA sub-coating (Opadry® II) and an outer layer of an aqueous enteric coating (Acyl EZE (Eudragit® L100-55 enteric coating).

Results for EPA blood serum levels appear in Table 35 and illustrated in FIG. 38. Results for DHA blood serum levels appear in Table 36 and illustrated in FIG. 39.

TABLE 35 EPA blood serum levels AUC [μg/ml] AUC difference dose compared to K85EE EPA normalised** oil Tablet 31 770.2 8% Tablet 32 672.0 −6% K85EE oil 708.7 reference **AUC data not baseline corrected.

TABLE 36 DHA blood serum levels AUC difference AUC [μg/ml] compared to DHA dosenormalised** K85EE oil Tablet 31 718.1 44% Tablet 32 479.4 −4% K85EE oil 498.8 reference **AUC data not baseline corrected.

The tablets according to the present disclosure may be pre-loaded with a pre-concentrate chosen from a K85EE oil+FFA+at least one surfactant (e.g. Tween® 20 or Tween® 80), a K85FA oil+at least one surfactant, and K85EE+at least one surfactant. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising: a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 45% to about 55% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, wherein the fatty acid oil mixture comprises from about 80% to about 88% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, and the EPA and DHA are in ethyl ester form; and at least one free fatty acid comprising from about 10% to about 15% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, of the at least one free fatty acid, wherein the at least one free fatty acid comprises from about 80% to about 88% EPA and DHA, by weight of the at least one free fatty acid, and the EPA and DHA are in free fatty acid form; and at least one nonionic surfactant comprising from about 15% to about 35% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, wherein the at least one nonionic surfactant is chosen from comprises polysorbate 20; wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating; and further wherein the preconcentrate, the gelatin capsule, and the at least one coating do not comprise an additional active pharmaceutical ingredient other than the fatty acid oil mixture.
 2. A preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising: a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 45% to about 55% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, wherein the fatty acid oil mixture comprises from about 80% to about 88% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, and the EPA and DHA are in ethyl ester form; and at least one free fatty acid comprising from about 10% to about 15% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, wherein the at least one free fatty acid comprises oleic acid; and at least one nonionic surfactant comprising from about 15% to about 35% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, wherein the at least one nonionic surfactant comprises polysorbate 20; wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating; and further wherein the preconcentrate, the gelatin capsule, and the at least one coating do not comprise an additional active pharmaceutical ingredient other than the fatty acid oil mixture.
 3. A preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising: a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 65% to about 75% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, wherein the fatty acid oil mixture comprises from about 80% to about 88% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, and the EPA and DHA are in ethyl ester form; and at least one free fatty acid comprising from about 10% to about 15% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, wherein the at least one free fatty acid comprises oleic acid; and at least one nonionic surfactant comprising from about 10% to about 15% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, wherein the at least one nonionic surfactant comprises polysorbate 20; wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating; and further wherein the preconcentrate, the gelatin capsule, and the at least one coating do not comprise an additional active pharmaceutical ingredient other than the fatty acid oil mixture.
 4. A preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising: a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 45% to about 55% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, wherein the fatty acid oil mixture comprises from about 80% to about 88% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, and the EPA and DHA are in ethyl ester form; and at least one free fatty acid comprising from about 10% to about 15% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, wherein the at least one free fatty acid comprises from about 80% to about 88% EPA and DHA, by weight of the at least one free fatty acid, and the EPA and DHA are in free fatty acid form; and at least one nonionic surfactant comprising from about 15% to about 35% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, wherein the at least one nonionic surfactant comprises at least two surfactants chosen from polysorbate 20 and lecithin; wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating; and further wherein the preconcentrate, the gelatin capsule, and the at least one coating do not comprise an additional active pharmaceutical ingredient other than the fatty acid oil mixture.
 5. A preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising: a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 45% to about 55% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, wherein the fatty acid oil mixture comprises from about 80% to about 88% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, and the EPA and DHA are in ethyl ester form; and at least one free fatty acid comprising from about 10% to about 15% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, wherein the at least one free fatty acid comprises from about 80% to about 88% EPA and DHA, by weight of the at least one free fatty acid, and the EPA and DHA are in free fatty acid form; and at least one nonionic surfactant comprising from about 30% to about 40% by weight relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, wherein the at least one nonionic surfactant comprises polysorbate 20; wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating; and further wherein the preconcentrate, the gelatin capsule, and the at least one coating do not comprise an additional active pharmaceutical ingredient other than the fatty acid oil mixture.
 6. A preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising: a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 45% to about 55% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, wherein the fatty acid oil mixture comprises from about 80% to about 88% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by weight of the fatty acid oil mixture, and the EPA and DHA are in ethyl ester form; and at least one free fatty acid comprising from about 10% to about 15% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, wherein the at least one free fatty acid comprises oleic acid; and at least one nonionic surfactant comprising from about 30% to about 40% by weight relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, wherein the at least one nonionic surfactant comprises polysorbate 20; wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating; and further wherein the preconcentrate, the gelatin capsule, and the at least one coating do not comprise an additional active pharmaceutical ingredient other than the fatty acid oil mixture.
 7. A preconcentrate in a gelatin capsule or a tablet form comprising: a fatty acid oil mixture comprising from about 45% to about 55% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, wherein the fatty acid oil mixture comprises eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and the EPA and DHA are in ethyl ester form; at least one free fatty acid comprising from about 10% to about 15% by weight, relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, wherein the at least one free fatty acid comprises oleic acid; and at least one nonionic surfactant comprising from about 30% to about 40% by weight relative to the weight of the preconcentrate, wherein the at least one nonionic surfactant comprises polysorbate 20, and further wherein the EPA and DHA are present in the fatty acid oil mixture at a weight ratio ranging from about 1:10 to about 10:1, from about 1:8 to about 8:1, from about 1:7 to about 7:1, from about 1:6 to about 6:1, from about 1:5 to about 5:1, from about 1:4 to about 4:1, from about 1:3 to about 3:1, from about 1:2 to about 2:1, from about 1:1 to about 2:1, or from about 1:2 to about 1:3; wherein the gelatin capsule or the tablet comprises at least one coating; and further wherein the preconcentrate, the gelatin capsule, and the at least one coating do not comprise an active pharmaceutical ingredient. 